Chapter 329

Lucien Dubois raised a skeptical brow. "Explain yourself."

Vanessa Blake's lips curled into a smile, though her eyes remained cold. "Don't you have that one thing that brings you joy? Share it with her. Once she experiences it, she'll crave it—become dependent. She won't be able to walk away from you then, will she?"

Understanding dawned in Lucien's gaze. He gave her shoulder an approving pat.

"A woman's heart truly is the deadliest poison," he mused, tilting his head. "Why don't I give you a taste? Let me show you what happiness feels like." His voice dropped as he leaned in, aiming for her lips.

Vanessa jerked back with a scoff. "I'm being serious, and you're joking? That thing is precious. Save it for Evelyn—let her enjoy it."

Lucien arched a brow but didn't push further.

Still, her words sparked an idea. He sank into a chair, all traces of teasing gone. "Fine. Then what's our next move?"

Alexander Kensington was jolted awake by his ringing phone.

He scowled, groping blindly for the device before pressing it to his ear. "What?"

A honeyed female voice chirped through the line. "Alex! Rise and shine! I brought breakfast. Tell security to let me in!"

He squinted at the clock. 6:47 AM. He'd only just dropped her off past midnight. Cassandra Winslow had the energy of a hyperactive puppy.

"Hold on."

He shoved off the bed, sliding his feet into slippers. "Hand the phone to the guard."

"Fine!" Cassandra huffed, shoving the device at the uniformed man. "I told you to open the gate earlier. Do you even know who I am? Ridiculous!"

Alexander had every intention of letting her in—until he spotted Evelyn's shoes tucked under the bed.

Reality slammed into him.

He wasn't alone anymore.

Women's belongings were scattered everywhere. If Cassandra saw them... He didn't care if she knew he was married. But he'd promised Evelyn discretion.

And Cassandra? She'd dig until she unearthed every secret.

When the guard took the phone, Alexander changed tactics. "Don't open the gate. Have her wait. I'll be right out."

Cassandra heard him—thanks to the speaker. Her face twisted. "Excuse me? Alex, I'm not—"

He hung up.

Outside Crestview Heights' gates, Cassandra stomped her Louboutin-clad foot. Luxury communities were annoying—no entry without an access card or owner approval.

She'd put effort into this! Her floral sundress, the red Porsche, the artisanal pastries from that exclusive patisserie. Last night's snack rejection was one thing, but breakfast?

Yet here she was—barred at the gates like some commoner.

Alexander dressed swiftly. Evelyn's shoes by the door made his chest tighten. God, I miss her.

He pulled up to the gates, rolling down his window. Cassandra stood there, pouting in her designer dress.

"Hand it over," he said. "I'm heading to the office."

She thrust the pastry box forward—then yanked it back. "Wait. You're going to work? What about me?"

"Go home." His tone brooked no argument. "You just got back. Spend time with your family instead of stalking me."

"I want to stalk you!"

Her lower lip jutted out. "Alex, this is unfair! I woke up at dawn for this. You didn't even let me inside. At least let me eat with you before you ditch me!"

Note: All names, locations, and company references have been updated per the provided terminology list while maintaining original plot structure and character dynamics.