Chapter 8%
“The whole thing with Cathy and the brooch? That was part of my plan from the start,” I said, keeping my tone light.
Jasper narrowed his eyes, trying to gauge my intentions. “What do you mean? Are you really trying to scam your way into marrying a rich guy like me?’”
I rolled my eyes. “Believe it or not, not every woman wants to marry you. In fact, I don’t. The reason I did all this? I’ve been reborn.
His expression faltered for a split second before amusement took over. His eyebrow lifted, skeptical. “Rebom? Seriously?” A slow, mocking smirk spread across his face. I knew you were gutsy, but now I’m starting to think you’ve lost it.“!!
Lexhaled, deciding there was no point in casing him into it.
“In my past life, the Montclairs sold me to you. You put me on that operating table, I died from an infection.” I leaned in slightly, watching his smirk fade. “So this time, I made sure Cathy went after you first. Not just to get her into deeper trouble, but for one thing- revenge.”
Jasper let out a sharp laugh like I’d just delivered the punchline to a joke.
“Revenge?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Am you serious right now? Cassandra, you do realize how insane you sound?”
I wasn’t fazed. “The reason you used marriage to save your sister–the one who, by the way, isn’t even related to you–isn’t because you’re some noble, devoted brother.” I tilted my head, watching his amusement flicker into something more guarded. “No, it’s because you two share a special connection. Am I right?‘
The laughter stopped.
His jaw clenched, his fingers flexing at his sides.
“You’re quiet now I murmured. “Wonder why”
Jasper’s eyes darkened. “Watch it, Cassandra.”
I smiled faintly. “Your sister–who’s been locked up in that house for years–barely ever leaves. But she craves freedom. She loves standing in front of the fountain, letting the wind blow through her hair‘
His entire body stiffened.
I let the silence hang before dropping the bomb. “Even though you two live on separate floors, there’s something in her room, isn’t
there?”
His face went white.
“Shut up,” he snapped, his voice dangerously low. “Just shut up already.T
I shrugged. “I’m just curious, Jasper. If I hadn’t been reborn, how would I know all of this?”
Jasper stared at me, his gaze hard and unreadable. The weight of my words settled over him, thickening the air between us
For the first time, he hesitated.X
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled, his voice dropping into something darker
“So what if you’ve been reborn?” He took a slow step toward me. “I only wanted to give Eloise more options for a donor, but now that you’ve dug up all these secrets… His voice dipped, carrying a quiet menace. “How could I ever let you go?“%
The threat in his tone was unmistakable. The air was thick with unspoken danger.
But I stayed calm.
“Oh, come on, Jasper Don’t rush.” I leaned back, keeping my posture loose. “I haven’t even finished talking.
His brow furrowed
“In my previous life, you were still the polite, refined fiancé. You weren’t this aggressive,” I mused. “But I do remember something
I watched his expression closely as I spoke. “You’ve been torn between two investments lately–Alderbridge Enterprises and Crescent Ventures, right?”
The tension in his face sharpened.
I had his attention now.
“Even though you’re the richest man in the country, your assets are spread thin,” I continued smoothly. “You don’t have as much liquid cash as people think ”
Jasper didn’t confirm or deny it, but his silence told me everything I needed to know.
I smirked. “Here’s the thing: if you choose the right investment, you won’t just be the richest man in the country–you’ll be the richest man in the world. You’ll make it onto Forbes Billionaires List, and your influence will skyrocket. And guess what? The richer you are, the more options your sister has
Jasper’s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. But i could feel the shift in the air
The moment of doubt. The weight of my words sank in
“Back then, you made the wrong call, I continued. “And it cost you. But this time, I can tell you exactly which choice to make
Jasper let out a low, humorless chuckle “Let me guess. In return, you want me to let you go?”
I shook my head!
104 PM
“No, I made it clear earlier. If you play your cards right, you’ll own the world, and your sister will have a much wider pool of potential donors. Letting me go is just the bare minimum of what you’ll get.”
I leaned forward, locking eyes with him.
“But then again, I don’t just want that.
I let the words hang before delivering the final blow
“I want ten million dollars.
Jasper’s brows lifted slightly..
For the first time, the tension in his expression didn’t carry hostility–but understanding.
If I had asked for nothing, he would’ve been suspicious.!!
But a deal worth billions?
What was ten million in comparison??
I watched his demeanor shift as logic took over
“You’re smart,” Jasper admitted, his voice carrying a new level of respect. “Smart enough to know exactly how to negotiate.”
Seeing my opportunity, I pushed forward. “I don’t hate you, Jasper. In my past life, you were actually kind to me. The infection that killed me? That was my fault, not yours. If I had lived, you would’ve treated me well–kept me as your perfect little trophy wife for the rest of my life.
I let that sink in before adding. “So don’t get any ideas. I’m not here to destroy you. I’m just making sure I get what’s fair”
Jasper studied me, silent
