Chapter 8: No More Lies

Elara stood outside Rhys Enterprises, her heart hammering.

Cassian had given her no choice. Either she faced him now, or he would dig until he unearthed everything.

She stepped into his office, her legs stiff, her throat dry.

Cassian was waiting behind his desk, composed as always. Except for the single file in front of him—the evidence of her biggest secret.

Without a word, he opened it.

Elara's stomach dropped.

Inside was a copy of the Celeste Grand Hotel's guest list. Her alias, E. Laurent, was highlighted.

And right beside it—his name.

Her body went cold.

Cassian tapped a finger against the page. "Explain this."

Cornered

Elara inhaled sharply. "What do you want me to say, Cassian?"

His expression didn't waver. "I want the truth."

She hesitated. If she lied, he would find out anyway. If she told him now…

Elara exhaled. "Oliver and Olivia are your children."

Cassian's jaw tightened.

Even though he had suspected it, hearing it confirmed hit differently.

A heavy silence filled the office.

Then—Cassian spoke, voice low. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Elara crossed her arms. "Because you were never supposed to know."

His gaze darkened. "I had a right—"

"A right?" she cut him off, laughing bitterly. "You don't even remember that night, do you?"

Cassian's eyes flickered. That night… It was a blur.

"I was nothing more than a forgotten encounter to you," Elara said, her voice sharp. "I wasn't going to drag my children into your world when you wouldn't even remember how they came to be."

Cassian leaned forward, dangerously close. "You thought you could keep them from me forever?"

Elara's heart pounded. "I thought I was protecting them."

His stare pierced through her. "They're mine too, Elara. And I don't walk away from what's mine."