Chapter 717
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Even though Cassian was just part-time, he had serious pull in the inner circle. Honestly, half the reason the Stroud family stayed relevant in Kanit City was because of him.
Just as Caleb stepped into the hospital room, he saw a broad-shouldered man walk in. He knew that face. It was Cassian.
“I’m the one who hurt your son, Cassian said, sliding a black card across the table toward Logan. “I’m sorry. There’s three million dollars on that card. It’s for damages.”
He sounded calm, almost too calm. “I was on a mission at Mandino University. Your son tried to stop me. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but it happened in the heat of the moment.”
Before Logan could respond, Nathan pushed himself up from the bed. “Your mission was to tail my sister? What kind of mission is that supposed to be?”
Cassian’s eyes sharpened. “She helped someone she shouldn’t have. I came to take that person.”
Zoe grabbed Logan’s arm, nervous. “Who are you talking about?”
“Not something you need to know,” Cassian said, cold as ice.
Caleb stepped forward, holding out a hand. “Even if this was a Bureau job, there should be a warrant. Mr. Stroud, show it to
me.”
Cassian’s stare turned frosty. “It’s a classified operation.”
“So we’re just supposed to take your word for it?” Caleb lowered his hand with a tight smile. “You’re not even a full agent. You don’t get to make arrests.”
Cassian wasn’t even officially in yet. He acted without authorization and hurt someone in the process. That could not only get him kicked from the Bureau, but it could also land him in hot water with the Arressto.
His jaw clenched. “It’s a personal matter.”
Caleb raised an eyebrow. “So this wasn’t an order from the Bureau. Well, if you show up around my sister again, I’ll ask the Bureau what she did wrong. What makes her so dangerous that you had to shadow her and hurt my brother?”
Cassian locked eyes with him. “So that’s how it is. You’re siding with Aria. That means going up against the Stroud family.”
Caleb gave a short laugh. “What did you expect? I’m not about to take your side over my sister’s.”
Cassian stood up, clearly pissed. “Fine.” He stormed out without another word. The room fell quiet.
Logan looked down at the card and hesitated. “What do we do with the money?”
“If it’s for Nathan, keep it,” Caleb said. He turned to Nathan. “And quit trying to act like a hero. You’re not cut out for it.”
Nathan shot back, “I was trying to protect Aria!”
“She doesn’t need your help,” Caleb said bluntly. “The whole ‘sacrifice myself thing? Way too cliché.”
Nathan’s face turned beet red. “You’re the worst!”
Zoe opened her mouth to break the tension, but Caleb was already grabbing his jacket. “Mom, Dad, I’m heading to the
office.”
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As the door clicked shut behind him, Nathan buried his head under the covers. He thought his brother was seriously annoying.
A moment later, Nathan sat up again. “Mom, Dad, Cassian said all that just to distract us. He doesn’t want us getting in the way while he targets Aria. Please don’t screw this up like last time.”
Zoe rolled her eyes. “You think we’re that dumb?” Whatever happened, they were always going to back their daughter.
Logan said, “The Strouds are just one family. We don’t need to lose sleep over them.”
Nathan frowned. “But what if Cassian teams up with the Shaw family in Kanit City and the Huffman family in Hogford?”
Logan answered confidently, “We’re still not scared.” All of a sudden, Logan felt like maybe the Saxon family wasn’t strong enough yet. He stood up. “Zoe, take care of Nathan. I’m heading into the office too.”
Zoe nodded. “Got it.”
That Saturday, Aria went with Owen to Lexie’s birthday party.