Chapter 55

The man, poised and elegant, got up and walked over to her. "Nope, I was here early," he said, his gaze lingering with a hint of something deeper. "And you’re absolutely worth the wait." Cassandra bit her lip, choosing not to dig too deep into his words. Damien’s lips curled slightly, almost imperceptibly, as he stepped behind her and pulled out her chair like a total gentleman. "You look especially stunning tonight," he murmured near her ear as he helped position her chair, his voice low and gentle, like a secret shared between lovers. Her outfit was simple but eye-catching — a white blouse with delicate embroidery paired with a high-waisted navy skirt that ended below the knees. The patterns added some flair, giving her an elegant yet youthful vibe. Her bare face and naturally pink lips gave her a fresh, relaxed look that totally suited her age. Cassandra’s face grew warm. After sitting down, she said quietly, "You’re looking particularly dashing tonight too, Mr. Blackwood." His perf