Cassian's POV
Even her name lingered differently in my mind. She was different; she wasn't scared, she wasn't careless with words; every word she said stuck. Her features were soft and delicate, like those of a flower petal.
I couldn't concentrate for a while, and didn't hear when Liam called me.
"Boss?" Liam's voice finally pulled me out of the haze. "Did you want to review the reports from the southern office?"
I nodded and reached for the papers he handed across the table. Numbers, shipments, profit margins, coded messages. The lifeblood of the Damien dynasty.
Yet, even as I scanned the lines, I could still see the way Celine's shoulders had squared when she spoke to me. She didn't know how to hide her thoughts; her eyes always gave it out.
"Something wrong?" Liam asked, raising an eyebrow.
I looked up sharply. "No," my expression was cold as usual.
He hesitated, then cleared his throat. "Forgive me, but you seem distracted. That's not like you."
I leaned back in my chair, letting the silence stretch. "I'm not distracted," I said. "Just thinking. Besides, it's unlike you to question me after I have given my reply."
He waited, knowing better than to press his luck.
"Mr Klein's debt is settled," I said finally. "His life stays intact for now."
Liam's expression flickered with mild surprise. "You're letting him live?"
"For now," I repeated, my tone final. "The girl will be of more value alive than his corpse would ever be."
Liam nodded slowly. "She's the one they brought earlier?"
I didn't answer.
He gave a knowing look, the faintest hint of curiosity in his eyes. "You're certain she's not going to be trouble, like the other girls?"
"She's terrified," I said. "But she's got fire in her. Fear alone won't break her. Besides, what trouble can she cause me?"
"Fire can burn both ways," Liam murmured.
I gave him a sidelong glance. "That's what makes it worth watching. You forget that I'm Cassian Damien, my Ice will quench her fire."
But I slightly doubted my words. For the first time, I felt a little glow in my cold heart.
After many years of being trained to take up the family business, I've forgotten to feel. The nightmares that haunted me each night had turned me into the monster that I am today.
He smirked faintly, then returned to business. "About the company in the state, you wanted to know if their operations are still stable?"
"Yes," I said. "I need confirmation tonight."
"Maybe you should reach Lucas over the phone now," he said, handing the files containing the numbers of my regional operations.
I ignored the file, reached for my phone and dialed the number from memory. The line clicked twice before a voice answered.
"Mr Cassian," came the smooth tone of my regional manager, Lucas. "It's good to hear from you again."
"I doubt that," I said dryly. "Give me a full report."
He stammered for a second, then launched into an explanation about delayed shipments, re-signed contracts, and a few local disputes that were, as always, "under control."
I listened without interruption, making sure to note every detail from his report. "Make sure those disputes stay under control," I said finally. "I don't want another incident like last quarter."
"Understood, sir. Everything will be handled."
"It better be," I said, and ended the call.
Liam was watching me again, his expression unreadable.
"You think they will hold the line?" he asked.
"They will," I answered. "Or they will learn what happens when they don't, the Cassian way."
He gave a short, approving nod. "That is settled, then."
I reached for a cigarette from the box beside me and lit it. The smoke curled upward in thin spirals, catching the lamplight. It had been years since I felt the taste of uncertainty in my mouth, but Celine had somehow placed it there, uninvited.
Liam's eyes followed the smoke before returning to me. "You've been different since this afternoon."
I frowned. "Different?"
"Quieter," he said carefully. "More thoughtful."
I let out a small breath, half amusement, half irritation. "You're reading too much into it, and I think you should leave me alone now."
Liam rose, taking that as his cue to leave. "I'll keep you updated on the investigation around the docks. If you need me, I'll be in the control room."
"Good," I said, extinguishing the cigarette. "Send Madison in before you go."
He gave a short nod and left without another word.
The room fell quiet again, save for the low hum of the city outside. I stood, walked to the window, and let the cool air wash over me.
I have been uneasy since she came into these chambers. I needed to scratch that itch. She felt like a puzzle, with her movements, features, and replies.
There was something about her that unsettled me more than I cared to admit.
A light knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in," I ordered.
Madison stepped in, her hands folded neatly before her as usual. She had been with my family for decades, long before I took over the business, I think, since I was 12 years old.
She was one of the few people who didn't fear me, though she understood me well enough to keep her tone respectful.
"You sent for me, sir?" she asked.
"Yes." I turned from the window. "I want Celine to join me for dinner tonight."
Her brows lifted slightly. "Dinner, sir?"
"Don't make me repeat myself, you know what to do."
She inclined her head quickly. "Of course, sir. I'll make sure she's prepared."
"Choose something suitable for her to wear," I said. "Something exquisite, you know my taste."
"Yes, sir."
She turned to leave, but I stopped her. "Madison."
She looked back. "Yes?"
"Has she spoken to you?" I asked
"Not yet," she replied, her head suddenly bent low. "I haven't gone to her room yet," she explained.
"You should get going now, dinner is by seven and in my room. You know the rules, make sure she is not late."