Chapter 14

“Because you really want it,” the man said with a calm elegance, moving toward her like a panther. His deep blue eyes lowered as he looked at her, lips curving into a faint smile tinged with a hint of pity. “Too bad… you just don’t have what it takes.” Cassandra could sense he meant more than what he let on, but she couldn’t quite figure out what angle he was coming from. Her tone turned cold. “Whether I’m capable or not has nothing to do with you. If I want something, I don’t need anyone handing it to me.” She thought of her past—how the people she loved and trusted most had stabbed her in the back. Her eyes stung, and even breathing hurt. This man in front of her? A total stranger. No way he was offering something this valuable out of the goodness of his heart. She had only one goal now—revenge. And getting too close to anyone irrelevant or dangerous was not part of her plan. “But you’re not exactly in a great position with the Taylors. I could help turn things around.” His words were wrapped in warmth, laced with a subtle, almost irresistible lure, as he looked down at her with a calm smile, his eyes locked on her beautiful and defiant face. His words sent a chill down Cassandra’s spine. She stiffened instantly. This man had clearly been watching her for a while… and knew everything. Who was he? And what was he really after? “I don’t need your help. I’ll take care of it myself,” she answered, voice laced with stubborn pride. “Sweetheart, smart people know when to find a strong ally to lean on. It’s how they survive,” he said with a soft chuckle, his voice smooth and dangerously charming—like a devil whispering from the shadows. One hand rested casually in his pocket, the other reached out, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. The gesture was flirty, a little too close, making her heart skip for half a beat. “No, thanks.” Her cheeks burned under the unexpected touch, and she quickly yanked the strand back, her tone colder than ever. “I’ll be going now.” And just like that, she turned and walked away, elegance in every step—but also a clear signal. This guy was too powerful, too wild for her to handle. She barely got a few steps before a strong, warm hand grabbed her wrist, making her stop in her tracks. “When I give something, I don’t take it back.” Like his decision to make her his—nothing and no one could change that. With forceful grace, he slipped the ‘Queen’s Ring’ onto her left index finger. It fit perfectly, as if it was made just for her. “If you really hate it, feel free to toss it the moment you walk out,” he added mildly. She froze. She loved this ring. No way she’d actually throw it away. Still, she told herself—if he was fine with giving it away so casually, then why should she feel bad about keeping it? But her hands slowly clenched into fists, and her breath grew shallow. This man was overbearing to the core. On the surface, it looked like she said no. Reality? He never gave her a choice. And yet, his refined demeanor made his control so smooth, so natural, no one could really fault him. What a cunning man. She finally snapped out of it, glaring straight at him. “Why are you here? What do you want from me?” she demanded. “Tonight… nothing much,” he said, his smile still aristocratic and calm. “Just wanted to get acquainted. Name’s Damien Blackwood.” Not a trace of annoyance in his voice, even when she kept shutting him down. He just stood there—calm, composed, untouchable.