Chapter 132: Mr. Cassius Waited for Her Topless
Gemma had already made her relationship with Marcus public, as well as her divorce.
If her staying at Cassius’s place ever came to light, it would no doubt cause a massive scandal
Cassius had always been a gentleman, probably for Noah’s sake, and never brought the concern up to her.
But Gemma knew better than to push her luck.
The Raven’s Manor.
Cassius wrapped up his interrogation early.
Brooke had the detained men hauled away, and the living room cleaned up.
“So, it seems Kinstons can be cleared of suspicion,” Brooke reported. “But what about the collaboration they proposed? Should we go ahead?”
The Kinston family was old money, typically low–key in their dealings.
Lately, however, they’d been more active-
Most notably with their sudden eagerness to partnery
the
Raven family.
The terms of the deal were extremely favorable to Raven,
This struck Brooke as suspicious.
Yet, after investigating William.
They found Kinston was simply trying to expand their business.
Cassius, seeming relaxed, leaned back into the black leather couch, tapping his fingers thoughtfully.
“Don’t accept it. I was no longer in the Raven Group.”
Brooke immediately understood.
“Understood, Mr. Cassius. I’ll handle it.”
Shawn stepped in shortly after.
“Cass, where’s Gem?”
Cassius gave him a question look. “What, is her whereabouts your concern now?”
Shawn was shocked. “You would never know her if she’s not my doctor!”
“Really?”
Cassius raised an eyebrow. “Trust me. I’ve known her longer than you.”
Before she saved Shawn.
Shawn let out a frustrated sigh.
“Fine, fine. But seriously, how did
Shawn continued
a chuckle.
you know Brian was going after Cali?”
“Those contracts? Man, it could literally flood Cali and her small studio.”
Cassius didn’t respond.
Shawn had been used to this way of conversation with him, and he just continued.
“But I’ll admit, you’re right about Brian. Who would’ve thought he’d start networking like that back in college?
Look at him now, helping everyone and getting his rewards.”
Shawn went on, “Who knows what his real motive is with Gemma? She’s been my savior, and I’ll protect her.”
Cassius, “…”
Before Cassius could answer, Brooke returned.
His usual composure gone.
“Mr. Cassius… Ms. Kelestine saw what happened with the men earlier.”
The ease on Cassius’s face instantly dissipated.
The room’s temperature seemed to drop in
an
instant, and the tension thickened.
Shawn shivered involuntarily, while Brooke nervously lowered his gaze.
“Uncle Cassius!”
Just then, Noah’s voice broke the silence.
Setting
19:36
Chapter 182: Mr. Cassius Waited for Her Topless
The little boy, clearly agitated, marched into the room and plopped onto the couch, arms crossed in annoyance.
“Gemma gave Calithe face cream, but not me.
Not fair!”
He’d been angry for a whole night!
Bad Gemma!
She didn’t give it to him, not even a little!
Humph!
He knew he’s not Gemma’s favorite anymore.
When Gemma heard his accuse, she’s totally speechless.
Just because, the face cream?
This little guy’s got a real chip on his shoulder.
Gemma’s hand on her forehead. “Honey bear. It’s a face cream for big girl,” she explained gently.
Noah stunned.
Then, his face immediately flushed red.
But a tinge of surprise flashed in his eyes.
“I still want it… for Mia,” he mumbled shyly.
“Who’s Mia?” Cassius and Gemma asked.
Noah grinned sheepishly. “My classmate. Heh.”
Shawn raised an eyebrow.
“Wait, the same one you complained about losing your eraser to?”
Noah, unbothered, shrugged.
“She apologized. No big deal.”
7786
The three of them shared a quiet moment, before Shawn turned to Gemma with a smirk.
“Looks like someone’s got a little crush.”
Gemma shook her head, smiling fondly. “Looks like our little gentleman is gonna have his first date.”
Shawn chuckled.
“Alright, kiddo. Come on, let’s go upstairs, and you’re gonna tell me about your Mia.”
He picked Noah up, heading upstairs with the boy still grumbling about the face cream.
Inside the room, only Gemma and Cassius were left.
Awkward silence.
“Sorry for being early,” she said, gesturing to the bag in her hand. “I thought I’d be out longer picking up herbs, but the driver forgot to stop.”
Gemma continued, “I’ve checked with Archibald, and he’s already got the herbs brewing according to the prescription.”
She paused, her gaze flicking to Cassius. “Do you have time? I’d like to check your condition.”
Cassius’s eyes darkened as he looked at her, his expression unreadable. “Alright.”
‘He strode over.
Gemma pointed to the lounge next to him, “Just this room, you take off your clothes first and wait for me.”
Cassius stopped in his tracks, his shoulders shaking slightly.
But instead of saying anything, he just turned and walked into the room.
The moment she entered the room, Cassius had already stripped his shirt, his back facing her.
The sight of his bare skin sent a shiver through her.
His back was littered with scars–old and new, some still raw, others healed but still dark against his skin.
Gemma stood still, a lump forming in her throat.
She knew Cassius was a powerful figure, revered by many, yet few knew the toll his position had exacted on him.
Her heart was sullen, and many emotions were held in her chest, which was difficult to speak.
She set down her tools and approached him, her hands gently bringing a warm, damp towel to his back.
The heat of the cloth contrasted with the coldness of his injuries, and she felt a strange mix of compassion and frustration. Cassius remained silent, but his body stiffened slightly under her touch.
After a moment, his voice came, rough and low. “Don’t you want to ask me something?”
Setting
19:36
Chapter 132: Mr. Cassius Waited for Her Topless
His words were pointed, but she didn’t flinch. She knew the question he was asking.
She could ask him about the men he’d had dragged away, about the choices he made that led to this moment.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she simply focused on her task.
She gave a soft sigh, her voice quiet but steady.
“Everyone has their secrets, Cassius. I know you won’t hurt me. That’s enough.”
He stilled at her words, her unwavering trust in him almost unnerving.
He had seen countless people look at him with fear or disdain, but Gemma… Gemma was different.
She saw through him, into something deeper, something he’d long buried.
His voice came again, even rougher.
“Don’t you worry… that the things I’ve done are unforgivable?”
Chapter 182: Mr. Cassius Waited for Her Topless
His words were pointed, but she didn’t flinch. She knew the question he was asking.
She could ask him about the men he’d had dragged away, about the choices he made that led to this moment.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she simply focused on her task.
She gave a soft sigh, her voice quiet but steady.
“Everyone has their secrets, Cassius. I know you won’t hurt me. That’s enough.”
He stilled at her words, her unwavering trust in him almost unnerving.
He had seen countless people look at him with fear or disdain, but Gemma… Gemma was different.
She saw through him, into something deeper, something he’d long buried.
His voice came again, even rougher.
“Don’t you worry… that the things I’ve done are unforgivable?”