Chapter 6

I knelt on the polished marble floor of the executive office, my head bowed. Logan leaned back in his chair, studying me with an unreadable expression. He had known my family well. The Sinclairs were once one of the most powerful names in the industry. Now, I was the only one left. For the briefest moment, I thought I saw pity in his eyes. "Stand up and speak," he commanded finally. I got to my feet, clasping my hands in front of me. "Mr. Sterling, I know it's bold of me to come here today, but I have a request." He exhaled. "The deal has already been made. I can’t take it back." I shook my head. "I’m not asking you to undo it. I want to formally dissolve my engagement to Adrian Warren." Logan's eyes sharpened. "You want an official Separation?" He had expected me to beg for his intervention, to plead for him to change the arrangement. Instead, I was here to end things for good. Fighting back the lump in my throat, I said, "Adrian and Vivian wanted this. They used their so-called success as leverage to gain your approval. Today is the anniversary of my father and brothers’ passing. I’d like to use my late family’s legacy to request my freedom. Please, Mr. Sterling, I’m asking you to let me go." Logan studied me carefully, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his desk. "Cassandra, do you understand what you're asking for? What happens after this?" It had been years since he had addressed me by name. When he was still just an ambitious CEO, building his empire, he used to visit my father’s estate. He would always bring something little gifts, books, things he thought I might like. But after I left for school, our worlds drifted apart. "I do," I said softly. A faint smile touched my lips, but it was tinged with irony. "You know the saying if you love someone, you let them go. I don’t want to stand in Adrian and Vivian’s way. If this is what they want, they can have it." Logan narrowed his eyes. "There’s no one left at the Sinclair estate. You really plan to go back there? What will you do?" "I visited today. It’s falling apart, but it’s still my home. I’ll rebuild it. And for my father’s sake, I’ll make sure the Sinclair name doesn’t disappear." My voice was steady, unwavering. Logan was quiet for a long time. I could see the calculation in his eyes he thought I was being reckless. But he also saw something else. Determination. And he knew, as well as I did, that I wasn’t going to change my mind. I sat in the grand office, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. Across from me, Logan Sterling, the most powerful businessman in the city, studied me with a mix of curiosity and concern. "You’re Adrian’s legal Fiance. Vivian can’t change that. There’s no need for a Seperation," he said, his voice measured. I met his gaze, my eyes brimming with unshed tears, yet unwavering. "Mr. Sterling, that’s irrelevant. I refuse to waste my life in an engagement that was never real. My parents built their legacy with dignity and resilience. I won’t let their daughter settle for anything less." He exhaled slowly, folding his hands together on his desk. "I know you had feelings for Adrian. Are you really willing to let go?" Feelings? Not anymore. I had admired his ambition, believed in his potential. That was why I had used my inheritance to fund his education abroad, convinced that we would build a future together. But love wasn’t supposed to feel like this like an afterthought, like an obligation. I smiled, a quiet but unshakable strength behind it. "If he can let go of me so easily, then yes, I can let go of him too." There was a flicker of something surprise, maybe even respect in Logan’s ’ eyes. He had seen powerful men and women break under the weight of betrayal and loss, but I wasn’t breaking. I was choosing myself for the first time in years. For a moment, he was silent, as if weighing the implications of what I had just said. Then, with a slow nod, he leaned back in his chair. "Alright. I’ll make the arrangements. The Seperation papers will be delivered to Adrian’s office in a few days." A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me. "Thank you, Mr. Sterling." As I stood to leave, he watched me carefully, then spoke again, his voice softer this time. "If anyone tries to take advantage of you after this, come to me. I’ll handle it." I hesitated only for a second before nodding. "Thank you." With that, I walked out of the office, my heart lighter than it had been in years. For the first time in a long while, my future was mine to shape.