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He chuckles, and it aggravates me even more.
“This is a proof, Cassandra. The Cades are selling you to gain more power. You see, the Cades love their money, and you’re a great bargaining trophy. You, after all, killed their son, inherited his empire, have the other two sons at your beck and call. Helen wants to get rid of you, and Darren will give her everything she desires. We, men, have our own weaknesses, and she is his.”
After the pause, he adds, “This is my offering to you. Next time you’ll have to pay for the gifts I bestow on you. I advise you to think about our friendship. You might need my protection in the future. The Cades are bent on destroying you, but I can protect you.”
The phone clicks and the line disconnects. I gape at the papers I’m holding because he managed to slip through the cracks I’ve never managed to get rid of.
Tears gather in my eyes as I read through the paperwork. My therapy reports, admission to psychiatric clinic papers, neighbors’ statements. There’s even testimony from a window company that came to fix broken windows after I ripped the house apart. And to top the insult there are photos from the recording Belington made. My hands shake as a sob wracks through me as I realize they were gathering evidence to gain the custody of my children. And also seize the inheritance. They don’t care about me.
“Adam, please take me to the Royal Gardens.”
He nods and changes directions.
I’m going to confront Helen and see how rotten the apples on this tree are. She’s wrong to think I’ll let them do this. After our private chat in the café, I thought we’re turning a new leaf, but this was just another play.
“Miss, you’d probably want to change. The club is very exclusive and has a strict dress code,” he points out as subtle as possible.
I just don’t care. No, my blood boils with anger and the things I still need to settle with my mother-in-law. The other night, we were beginning to scratch the surface, but today we’ll dive in deep.
I give Adam my determined stare, and he resumes his driving. I’m a Cade, and whether she likes it or not, I’ll demand my place to be acknowledged. But if she thinks I’ll allow her to threaten my family, she’s going to taste my flavor of vengeance. No one goes after my kids and gets away with it. No, she and I have to finally settle this score.
My phone buzzes in my palm and I answer it, “Cassandra.”
“You’re gone. I thought you were going to spend the night?” His raspy voice warms my heart I didn’t know was encased in ice until now.
“I’m going to Royal Gardens to see Helen, and later, I’ll go home to my babies. They need help with a school project.” It isn’t a lie but not the whole truth either.
I can’t let him know that my family’s trying to rip my children away from me. Right now, I don’t know which e
nemy I’ll be fighting first. His or mine. Because if they go after my kids, they’ll be interested in releasing the video to the press. That means I’ll have to make a deal with Belington before my in-laws make a move, and Mark won’t be happy.
My nose prickles with needles, and tears gather in my eyes as I yearn to bury my face in his muscular chest. But I breathe through the longing and steel myself for the hard conversation with the family’s matriarch.
“Your blouse . . . I ripped it. I have a few things I ordered for you at home.”
“I know, I saw it, but she probably has some clothes over there I can borrow. I promise I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Cassandra, is everything all right? Have I done something to hurt you?” I clutch the phone away from my mouth, so he won’t hear my voice tremble.
“No, Mark, I enjoyed our time. You don’t need to worry about it.” I cast my gaze to the driver, who’s conveniently pretending not to listen. “Let me handle my family, and I’ll call you when I’m done. Perhaps you can come to spend the night at my house. We could watch a movie. I’ll make dinner.”
“I’ll come as soon as I finish a few things. You sure you don’t need me with you?”
I do need you.
“I’ll be all right. Helen doesn’t bite, you know?” I joke, feeling my guts twist and my forehead dot with cold sweat, thinking about the evidence Belington managed to leave me. I’m no longer sure I know who Logan’s family is.
“Then I’ll see you soon. Be careful of her sharp manicured nails.”
I chuckle and disconnect the call, just as the car stops.
“Miss, would you like a jacket?” Adam’s partner sitting next to him, asks, but I shake my head and open the door.
24
Smoke screens
~Cassandra~
