Chapter 56

Cassandra stirred before dawn had fully released Thomas from slumber. Slipping quietly from the bed they shared, she crossed the cool marble floor of their villa toward the Guru bath. Steam curled from the oversized bathtub as she stepped in, letting fragrant bubbles of lavender and eucalyptus envelope her. The warm water soothed her limbs, each breath clearing the last vestiges of sleep from her mind. By the time she climbed out, wrapped in a plush towel, her skin tingled with freshness.

She padded barefoot to the terrace overlooking the infinity pool. There, their butler already stood, polished silver tray in hand and a porcelain cup of rich, dark coffee steaming invitingly. Cassandra settled into a cushioned lounge chair, cradling the mug in one hand, her phone in the other. Beyond the pool’s edge the ocean stretched, pale green beneath a brightening sky.

With her first sip, she unlocked her phone and flipped open the business news app. Her brow furrowed as a headline