The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

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Cassie explained, "Evan went directly to the New York office to handle things before coming to Los Angeles."

"I see... For a moment, I thought you pushed your brother from the plane yourself."

She shot me a sharp look. "Even though we argue a lot, I still love my brother,"

The truth was, Evan had always been fiercely protective of his little sister, but Cassie's stubborn and spoiled nature often led to clashes, whether it was about her modeling career or her dating life.

I brought Cassie to the apartment I'd moved into after my breakup with Gabriel. Taking her to Grayson's villa didn't feel appropriate, especially since it had only been a few days since he and I reconnected.

"You can stay here while you're in Century City," I said, moving to the pristine kitchen to prepare something to eat.

"You're not staying here with me?" she asked, raising a perfectly groomed eyebrow. Then her tone shifted, brimming with curiosity.

"Anyway, who's this person you're marrying if it's not Gabriel the cheater?" She scrunched her nose as though even mentioning his name was unbearable.noveldrama

I sighed, caught between amusement and exasperation as I pulled ingredients from the stainless steel refrigerator. "Remember the tyrant from high school?"

Her gaze turned sharp. "Which tyrant?"

I paused, remembering Cassie had returned to Singapore before Grayson transferred to our school. They never had the chance to meet.

"Grayson Blake," I replied simply.

Her jaw dropped, her glossed lips forming a perfect 'O'. "Grayson Blake? As in 'the' Grayson Blake?"

"That's right," I confirmed.

She leaned forward, her expression grave.

"Babe, are you sure about this decision? He's... complicated. The man's notorious for being ruthless in business. When someone crosses him, he doesn't just defeat them-he breaks them! He wasn't just a tyrant in high school-he's carried that reputation into the business world. And..."

She hesitated, lowering her voice. "There are rumors about his personal life, too. They say he's had countless affairs, never committing to anyone... One of my model acquaintances is rumored to have been supported by Grayson for years, including the penthouse she lives in and all her lavish possessions... Well, she moonlights as an escort outside of modeling. Putting two and two together, it seems Grayson is involved with high-end escorts."

If what Cassie said was true-and if I were actually in a romantic relationship with Grayson-then maybe I would have been hurt by what I'd just heard. But that was his past, and I have mine too.

Still, this was definitely something to address in our arrangement.

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"Are they still in contact?" I asked, keeping my tone casual. "With your co-model, I mean."

Cassie shrugged. "Who knows? He's been focused on expanding his empire lately. But honestly, does it matter? The point is, Grayson Blake isn't exactly husband material."

"His past doesn't matter to me, Cassie. My relationship with him right now is a marriage of convenience."

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She narrowed her eyes as she leaned closer, scrutinizing me.

"Look," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I didn't propose to Grayson because of some romantic fantasy. Sure, he's ridiculously attractive, and I won't deny I'm drawn to his... tyrant tendencies. But my heart isn't part of this equation........ I needed his resources to break free from Golden Stage."

Cassie scoffed. "You could have come to me! How much are we talking about? Two hundred million? Even if it's a billion, I could write that check right now; I could handle it with my eyes closed!"

"Now, who's showing off, Miss Monroe?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow. It was always amusing how people with money talked about billions like it was loose change. "You know I didn't become friends with you and Evan because of your wealth."

She rolled her eyes dramatically, a plasmirk tugging at her lips. "Baby, you need money, and it just so happens that I

have it. But don't insult us both-our friendship runs deeper than that. You know we're way deeper than that. You're like a sister to me."

Her exaggerated pout and fluttering eyelashes broke through my defenses, and I felt my lips curve into a genuine smile despite everything.

"Then... can you marry me?"

She nearly choked on her own saliva. "What? What are you talking about?"

"You heard it from Evan at the airport; it's not just about money. My family's pushing for the Shaw merger through marriage. I need Grayson as my husband, so they can't force me into an arranged marriage. I don't want to be their pawn."

I confided in Cassie about my parents' latest scheme. The moment they learned Gabriel and I had broken up, they wasted no time plotting to tie me to someone of their choosing.

"At least this marriage with Grayson will be my decision. Love doesn't have to complicate things-it'll be easier to walk away when the time comes," I explained. "I'll make sure our agreement includes a no-cheating clause while we're married." Cassie's lips curved into a knowing smirk, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, if you're stuck with him anyway, you might as well enjoy yourself. It would be a waste not to... sample the merchandise."

I felt heat creep up my neck.

Her jaw dropped as she looked at me. "Oh my God. No way-" She stared at my reddening face, her voice rising with glee.

"You already have! You little minx!"

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