Chapter 228

Cassandra’s fingers curled into tight fists in her lap as she fought to keep herself together. Her chest constricted, and her breath hitched slightly. She turned her face just enough to hide the tears gathering in her eyes. She had trained herself to never cry in front of others, especially not in rooms like this where power could turn on a single expression of vulnerability. Anthony noticed, and for the first time since arriving, he questioned whether coming in person had been the right decision. Maybe this wasn’t the time. Maybe neither of their families were ready to face each other after everything that had happened.