Chapter 331

The morning wasn't unfolding as Cassandra had envisioned. Alexander devoured his breakfast with startling efficiency—no lingering conversation over steaming coffee, no playful banter across the table. Just a single sandwich, one black coffee, and he was already back at his desk, fingers flying across the keyboard.

The monitor absorbed Alexander's attention completely. Cassandra picked at her food, the flavors dull without his engagement. Unable to bear the silence, she abandoned her plate and marched to his side. "Alex, do I even exist to you right now?"

His eyes flicked up briefly before returning to the screen. "What do you need?"

"Need?" Her lower lip jutted out. "Do you despise me?"

"Of course not."

"Then why are you treating me like wallpaper?"

"Work."

"Liar!" Her voice hitched. "You're not that busy. You just refuse to spare me five minutes. Is sharing a meal with me really such a chore?" Fury propelled her forward—she grabbed the monitor and swiveled it away.

Alexander's brow furrowed as he finally met her glare. "Enough."

He held up the last crust of his sandwich, popped it into his mouth, and dusted his hands. "Breakfast concluded. Harrison can drive you home." He reached for his phone.

Cassandra slammed her palm over his. "No! I won't be pawned off to Harrison like some errand!" She leaned in, eyes blazing. "You take me. Yourself."

Let him say no. Then I'll stay. Even if we just breathe the same air—

"Fine." Alexander's agreement sliced through her scheming. "I'll drive you."

The concession stunned her. "You're... eager to get rid of me?" Her composure shattered. She'd risen at dawn, battled bakery lines, all for this? His indifference cut deeper than any insult.

Though never cruel, his polite detachment was its own cruelty.

"Cassandra," he sighed, "we're adults. I have responsibilities. You must have your own pursuits." The chiding tone—paternal, patronizing—ignited her temper.

"Exactly! I'm not a child, so stop lecturing me! Sebastian already plays the brother role perfectly—I don't need a stand-in!" She whirled toward the door, tossing over her shoulder, "Enjoy your solitude. Don't come crawling back."

Alexander didn't stir as the door slammed. Only then did he lift his phone, dialing a number that rang interminably.

A groggy voice finally answered. "Do you own a clock? This better be life-or-death."

"Your sister," Alexander said dryly, "delivered breakfast to my penthouse, then invaded my office. At dawn."

Sebastian's chuckle crackled through the line. "Efficient as always. My condolences." A yawn. "Wake me when she proposes."

"She's gone. Upset. And carless."

That snapped Sebastian awake. "Wait—she drove to you. Where's her car? And what did you do? You didn't chase her?"

Silence stretched. Somewhere, a car horn blared—Cassandra's Uber, perhaps. Alexander watched the empty doorway, jaw tight. The monitor's glow reflected in his unreadable eyes.