Chapter 458
Chapter 458
Third Person’s POV
Finished
Fred rubbed the bridge of his nose, listening to the heavy, stifled sobbing coming from the bed behind him.
He waited a moment, then walked around to the other side to look at the man who was once an untouchable king. “Finally figured it out, huh p>
When Cassian just grit his teeth, refusing to speak, Fred let out a long sigh. “It’s too late, Cassian. It’s all over p>
Fred continued, twisting the knife. “I won’t name names, but from what I know, there are at least five or six guys lined up to date her. And none of them are nobodies. If you want a chance to actually love her, wait for your next life–and remember to get in line early p>
Fred waited for a rebuttal, but when Cassian didn’t move, he leaned over and gave him a shove. Cassian’s body just rolled flat onto the mattress.
Fred’s heart skipped a beat. He lunged forward to check for a pulse.
“Fuck!” Fred hissed, clutching his chest and exhaling in a rush.
The sedatives had finally kicked in. He was just out cold.
The next morning, Trista passed by the VIP suite and saw the medical staff clearing the room, wheeling out the expensive diagnostic equipment.
She frowned. Cassian was in critical condition; forcing a discharge now was medically reckless.
But then she checked herself. He was the Alpha of the Ironthorns; in his world, a hospital probably didn’t feel “secure” enough.
A few days later, Elias was cleared to go home. To show his gratitude, he booked a private club in Beverly Hills for a thank–you dinner with Trista.
On the way there, Trista’s car passed the giant LED screens on Sunset Boulevard. A local news segment was playing.
There was Wynn, dressed in a sharp, tailored power suit, her usual spoiled air replaced by a focused calm. She stood right by Cassian’s side, handling a press conference,
On screen, Cassian looked impeccable in his suit. Though there was an undeniable exhaustion behind his gaze, his deep blue eyes remained as sharp as a hawk’s, radiating his signature Alpha dominance.
The “Little Princess” of Ironthorn, who had spent her life shielded by her family, was now facing a sea of cameras and microphones, coolly deflecting trap questions.
She didn’t miss a beat, protecting Cassian’s reputation while stabilizing Ironthorn’s standing in the L.A. financial world.
173
12:10 pm
Chapter 458
Finished
She really is a product of that family, Trista thought, seeing the shadows of Cassian’s ruthlessness and efficiency beginning to emerge in Wynn.
As the weeks turned into months, they lived in parallel worlds.
Since that discharge, Cassian had vanished completely from Trista’s life.
By September, Attwater had officially started university.
Trista’s career was skyrocketing, her social circle in the L.A. elite was expanding, and every day was full.
She had finally shed the label of “Luna” or “adjunct.” She was her own person, standing on her own two feet in the middle of the city.
Finally, a weekend arrived where Trista had no social obligations. She stayed in, enjoying the rare peace with her parents.
Late that night, the silence was shattered.
Her mother woke her up, looking frantic. “Trista, there are people downstairs. They say they’re from
Ironthorn p>
Trista’s heart gave a violent thud. She checked her phone–12:40 AM.
At this hour, there was only one reason for the Ironthorn leaders to show up at her door: Cassian.
Trista threw on some clothes and walked out. Cassian’s parents were waiting in the living room.
Wilmot stood with his head down, silent. The arrogant, toxic energy he’d brought the last time he invaded the Silverlight home was gone.
The moment Alaina saw Trista, she looked like she’d found a lifesaver in a storm. Her eyes were bloodshot as she grabbed Trista’s hands.
Trista could feel Alaina shaking–she could feel the raw panic and terror radiating off her.
Trista couldn’t bring herself to be cruel to her. “Take a breath,” she said gently. “Tell me what’s happening p>
Alaina shook her head, her voice breaking. “Trista, I know it’s late and we’re overstepping… but we didn’t know where else to turn p>
She choked back a sob. “Cassian has been hiding how sick he is. He’s been traveling abroad for business. but this morning Wynn walked in and found him coughing up blood, nearly unconscious. If she hadn’t called us, we would have thought he was recovering p>
Alaina bowed her head, pleading. “Trista, he won’t listen to anyone. We’re begging you. Talk to him. If he keeps this up, he’s going to die p>
Trista helped Alaina onto the sofa but remained firm.
“His life is his own. If he’s determined to destroy himself, no one can stop him. I can’t help you with this p>
Alaina looked at her, feeling a wave of utter helplessness.
2:10 pm
Chapter 458
Finished
She turned her tearful eyes toward Trista’s parents.
Ulva and her husband stood in the living room, their expressions grim.
As parents themselves, they were clearly softened by Alaina’s grief.
“Alaina,” Ulva said with a heavy sigh. “Trista’s stance is our stance p>
Alaina turned a look of pure resentment toward her husband.
Wilmot stepped into the center of the room. He straightened his suit, then slowly bent his back, bowing deeply to Trista’s parents in an official apology.
“We had failed you,” Wilmot said, his voice solemn. “I am here to formally apologize for everything we put your family through p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.