Chapter 152

Cassandra's bright smile faltered when Nathaniel showed no reaction to her animated explanation. His face remained cold and unreadable, radiating an intimidating aura.

Choosing not to push further, Cassandra turned to Seraphina to mask her discomfort. "Where's my assistant, Miss Montgomery? I need her to carry my things!"

Seraphina adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, sensing trouble brewing. "Your assistant just left, Miss Cassandra."

Cassandra's frown deepened. "Left? Where would she go without my permission? The audacity!"

"I wouldn't know," Seraphina replied smoothly.

Already irritated that Evelyn had been summoned for a private meeting, Cassandra's temper flared at her assistant's unexplained absence. She immediately dialed Evelyn's number.

Seraphina moved to intervene, but it was too late.

The distinct ringtone of "Brave" by Sara Bareilles echoed from inside the office. Cassandra's eyes narrowed. "That's my assistant's phone. She's still in there, isn't she?"

Seraphina's professional mask slipped for just a second before she recovered. "Your assistant departed, but apparently forgot her phone."

Nathaniel's expression darkened as he recalled the architect Stardust - those familiar eyes behind the gas mask couldn't be coincidence. His jaw tightened with sudden realization.

He turned sharply toward the office door.

Seraphina blocked his path, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "Is there something you need, Mr. Grayson?"

"I've reconsidered the Silver Peaks Estate design. I need to speak with Stardust immediately."

Seraphina adjusted her glasses again. "You may share your thoughts with me. I'll relay them precisely."

Nathaniel's eyes turned glacial. "Why play messenger when the architect is right there? What exactly are you hiding?"

A flicker of tension crossed Seraphina's face before she smiled. "You misunderstand. Stardust suffers severe allergies and requires rest. As her employer, I must ensure she's not overworked."

Nathaniel's stance remained unyielding. "This won't take long. Step aside."

Their standoff was interrupted by Evelyn's clear voice from down the hall. "Here I am, Cassandra!"

Both turned to see Evelyn strolling casually from the left corridor, stifling a yawn. Sebastian Monroe, Newmoon Group's vice president, walked beside her.