Chapter 363

Chapter 355(revised)
Cassian’s POV
I came to this part of town to finalize a deal, but even though my mind has constantly been occupied by her thoughts, I certainly didn’t expect to see her here.
My gaze follows her as she weaves through the outdoor tables, like a graceful butterfly that instantly commands my attention.
She pulls out a chair, sitting directly opposite Antonios Voss. They soon engross in conversation, a faint smile touching her lips as he speaks endlessly.
A cold, sharp irritation cuts through me. Sh
In’t the
Voss family have shipped him off to some blind date by now? Why is he here, with her?
“Mr. Blackwell…”
Liam murmurs beside me. “The clients are waiting
inside.”
bain
amn it.
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With a lingering look at them, I forcibly withdraw my gaze, turn on my heel, and stride into the pri
Gemma’s POV
I take the slim, elegant file bag from across the table, the fine leather feeling cool under my fingertips.
Overnight, Antonios has compiled a damning portfolio on Lydia and Kitty, which my eyes scan over quickly.
“These are the initial findings, Miss. Marino.”
He says in a calm and professional tone.
“As you can see, they clearly establish a history of grievance and more than enough motive to chestrate the online attack. It’s solid plus in our favou..
I flip through the pages, my eyes taking in the details- records of bank transfers, timestamps, and social media accounts under different names.
I nod in approval as a grim satisfaction settles in my
chest. 2/8
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(P) +9 Bonus
It’s pretty good… and to be honest, I’m quite impressed.
“You have two primary paths…”
He continues, folding his hands on the table after gesturing for the waiter and ordering two cups of coffee and two slices of apple pie.
“Either you can go for a private settlement, where we meet with the other party and negotiate terms outside of court. Or, we can file a lawsuit for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and drag them into the court. The choice is yours, I’m ready to act on your command.”
I place the file down carefully, aligning it with the edge of the table.
“Depends on how strong our case is. If I am able to locate the exact device or IP address used to upload the edited video, and secure a witness, will that strengthen our case?”
Legal strategy is a foreign language to me, but I am determined to learn.
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Amomos gives a sinan, comment smile. It would be
helpful, but Ms. Marino, it is not necessary. I case with what we already have.”
in this
His assurance isn’t meddled with arrogance, it is the quiet certainty of a master of his craft.
He is stating a simple fact, because this is probably child’s play compared to his usual high–stakes litigation. Is this the charisma of a lawyer who has never lost a case?
I feel a flicker of admiration, entirely separate from the mess at hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Voss,” I say, my decision consolidating further.
“I don’t want a private settlement.”
If Lydia and Kitty are bold enough to launch this attack in public, they need to face the full consequences in front of the same audience.
I am done offering easy exits to people whose only agenda is to harm me.
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“Understood, Miss. Marino. Then we will go ahead with full force. ”
We are concluding the discussion, and I reach behind me to grab my bag, when a shadow falls across our table.
My gaze follows the line of polished leather shoes, up the tailored trousers, to the face I have hoped never to see again in such a context.
Cassian Blackwell.
“Antonios!”
He says in a smooth baritone that deliberately bypasses me entirely. “What a coincidence!”
Antonios looks up with a look of genuine suprise on his face. “Cassian? It has been years. At least four years since I last saw you at the convocation?”
“At least…” Cassian replies, finally letting his gaze flicker to me before returning to Antonios. “Do you have time for dinner? We should catch up.”
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Antonios nods politely. “Of course, I’d be delighted.”
Cassian turns his head, locking his eyes with nine with a fake casualness that sets my teeth on edge. “Gemma, you should join us.”
Antonios’s brows lift in surprise, and Cassian doesn’t hesitate to clarify pre–emptively.
“As you might know, Antonios. This is my wife, Gemma.”
Antonios’s is professional composure slipped for a second. I see Cassian’s intention clearly, and it ignites a cold fury in my heart.
Is it that easy for him to go around, marking me as his territory like a dog?
I meet Cassian’s gaze, my voice flat. “I am sorry, Mr. Blackwell. I believe our divorce was finalized. I am not your wife any longer.”
I turn slightly to Antonios. “Mr. Voss is assisting me with a legal matter concerning the online harassment I’ve been
facing. ”
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“Harassment?” Cassian echoes, his attention snapping back, a frown pulling his forehead down. “Yo identified the responsible party?”
“That is no longer your concern.”
I say, turning my shoulder to him, because that’s the best I can do to put up wall between us.
He flinches almost imperceptibly at the dismissal.
“If you need assistance, I can provide it. It would be more efficient than troubling Antonios. You don’t have to involve outside counsel.”
The patronizing tone is the final straw.
“I don’t need your help.” I lift my head, looking at him with a calm I don’t feel even an ounce of. “The internet spent all yesterday tearing me apart. The Blackwell family has considerable influence. If you’re that eager to provide assistance, why hasn’t that public opinion been ‘calmed down‘ overnight? Is that the extent of your strength?”
If he truly wanted to help, he would have acted immediately.
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days.
I have watched him move mountains for business deals with ruthless speed. But when it comes to me, there is always hesitation, a labyrinth of second thoughts and unspoken calculations.
I never know if it is because he cares too much, or because, in the end, he doesn’t care to help at all.
In my eyes, the distinction has ceased to matter.
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ir Gifts
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< Chapter 355(revised) +9 Bonus With his resources, finding Kitty would take hs, not days. I have watched him move mountains for business deals with ruthless speed. But when it comes to me, there is always hesitation, a labyrinth of second thoughts and unspoken calculations. I never know if it is because he cares too much, or because, in the end, he doesn’t care to help at all. In my eyes, the distinction has ceased to matter. admin