Chapter 7
Anastasia approached Jasper’s office, her hand raised to knock, when she noticed the door wasn’t fully closed. Through the gap, she caught a glimpse of what was happening inside.
Valeria was perched on Jasper’s lap, her arms draped around his neck. “Baby,” she purred, running
her fingers through his hair, “who do you want more–me or Anastasia?”
[asper tightened his grip on her waist, planting a wet kiss on her cheek. “You know it’s you, sexy. You drive me crazy.” He glanced toward the door. “But we need to be careful at the office. Anastasia’s
still around.”
‘Bullshit,” Valeria pouted, grinding against him. “You’re always so fucking polite to her. Admit
t–you still want her.”
asper immediately squeezed her ass, his voice dropping lower. “Don’t be stupid. You’re the only one I’m thinking about when I’m in bed. Anastasia’s just a business asset now–she has significant equity and we still need her designs. Once the timing’s right, I’ll deal with her. But trust me, baby, you’re the only one getting me hard.”
Valeria’s sulk transformed into a sly smile, though she continued pressing him. “Then let me use her new designs for the competition. I want to help you, daddy.” She nibbled at his ear.
asper chuckled, his eyes calculating. “Soon enough. After this A‘ Design Award wraps up, I’ll find a vay to push her out of management. Then the company will be all ours.”
Valeria finally seemed satisfied, giving a little wiggle in his lap. “That’s more like it. But you better not chicken out this time. No more of your ‘being professional‘ bullshit.”
asper pinched her nose playfully. “Have I ever let you down, baby girl?”
Outside the door, Anastasia felt ice water replacing the blood in her veins.
he’d suspected Jasper was sleeping with Valeria, but she never imagined they were actively ›lotting to force her out of her own company.
fer nails dug so deeply into her palms she should have felt pain, but she was numb.
48.50
Dumped Today Married Tomorrow! My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon
4.3%
Chapter 7
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Anastasia quietly backed away from the door and retreated down the hallway.
Back in her office, she sank into her chair, her mind racing through scenarios and contingencies.
Her eyes fell on the unfinished design sketches on her desk, and gradually, a plan began forming.
Hearing Anastasia had arrived, Jasper soon appeared at her office.
Finding her calmly seated at her desk, he frowned slightly.
He approached her workspace, placing both hands on the polished surface and leaning forward in what he probably thought was an intimate gesture.
“Ana, come on. I already told you, Valeria’s like a little sister to me. The guys were just drunk and talking shit last night.” His tone oozed fake sincerity.
Anastasia looked up, meeting his gaze with cold detachment. Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Jasper, I made myself perfectly clear yesterday. We’re done. I’m selling my shares in the company. After that, there’ll be nothing connecting us.”
Jasper’s expression stiffened. “Ana, you’re seriously overreacting. If you don’t believe me, I can have Valeria explain everything herself.”
“Don’t bother.” Her tone cut like steel. “We’re adults, Jasper. Let’s not drag this out. Whatever’s happening between you and Valeria is no longer my concern.”
Jasper’s expression darkened. He stared at her with narrowed eyes. “What the fuck is wrong with you? Are you really going to throw away three years over some bullshit misunderstanding?”
“Misunderstanding?” Anastasia gave a hollow laugh. “Is that what you call it? Or do you just think I’m stupid enough to buy whatever story you’re selling?”
Jasper’s jaw tightened, his tone hardening. “You know what? I’m done with your drama. I’ll let this slide, but don’t push me again.”
Anastasia stood up, meeting his gaze directly. “I’m not coming back, Jasper. We’re finished.”
The tension between them crackled like electricity, neither willing to back down.
15:58
Chapter 7
Jasper’s knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists, but ultimately, he just sneered and turned
toward the door.
“You’ll regret this, Anastasia. Think carefully about your next move.”
He slammed the door behind him.
Anastasia remained standing, taking deep breaths to steady herself.
Then she immediately got to work. She needed to transition her projects, sell her shares, and remove herself from this toxic environment for good.
***
The limited–edition Maybach glided through the gates of the historic Tudor mansion, its sleek modern silhouette creating a striking contrast against the centuries–old stone facade before coming to a stop in the circular driveway.
As the car door opened, a pair of immaculately polished Ferragamo shoes touched the gravel.
Cassian Rhodes emerged, his tall frame moving with effortless authority as he entered the family
home.
Walking into the grand living room, he found Lancey Carter–Rhodes curled on the sofa watching CNN. Hearing his footsteps, she looked up, her face brightening instantly.
“Well, well! The prodigal son finally graces us with his presence,” she exclaimed. “Did you look
through those profiles I sent you?”
Cassian approached, his severe expression softening slightly with resignation. “Mother, I actually
wanted to ask what exactly you were thinking. Why were there men’s profiles in that matchmaking
portfolio?”
Lancey waved dismissively, rolling her eyes. “I was giving you options! What if you prefer men? I
don’t care if it’s a bride or groom–just bring someone home who makes you happy.”
Cassian’s mouth twitched slightly, his voice carrying equal parts exasperation and firmness.
“Mother, my sexual orientation is perfectly straight. Can you please stop with these schemes? Am I
really such a disappointing son?”
Lancey shrugged, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Oh, darling, don’t be so old–fashioned! It’s the
15:58
Dumped Today. Married Tomorrow: My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon
4.6%
Chapter 7
twenty–first century–gender doesn’t matter as long as you’re happy.”
Cassian’s brow furrowed as he loosened his navy tie. “Mother, you can stop your efforts. I’ve already found you a daughter–in–law.”
Lancey shot him a skeptical glare. “Sure, and pigs fly. If you’ve found someone, then bring her
home!”
“Saturday,” he stated simply.
“What?” Lancey blinked, certain she’d misheard. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.” Cassian nodded before heading toward the staircase.
A second later, Lancey sprang from the sofa, hollering through the house, “Richard! Emergency!
Your son has finally found someone!”
Cassian closed his eyes briefly, a series of exasperated expressions crossing his usually impassive
face.
Meanwhile, Anastasia returned from the office and had dinner with her grandmother.
Now she was in her bedroom, methodically packing her belongings.
She was still trying to figure out how to tell Elisabeth that she’d married someone who wasn’t Jasper.
The whole situation gave her a headache.
Just then, her phone chimed with an incoming message…
(14)
