Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 80: A Toast and a Warning

Cassius smirked. "If it does, I’ll be the first to say ’I told you so.’"

Brent rolled his eyes. "That’s what worries me."

The conversation drifted after that, the intensity mellowing into the comfortable banter of longtime associates. Stories from past ventures, jabs disguised as compliments, laughter that came from memory more than mirth.

Then Cassius leaned back, resting his ankle over one knee. He looked at Larman with a touch of curiosity in his eyes.

"By the way," he said, almost too casually, "how’s your kid?"

As if on cue, the double doors across the room opened and a boy stepped inside. He looked about twelve or thirteen, dressed neatly in a collared shirt and slacks. His eyes were sharp, observant like his father’s, though a little paler. There was a quiet intelligence in the way he stood, as if he already understood more than he should.

"Speak of the devil," Larman said, smiling. "Cassius, meet my son, Lian."

Lian walked toward them, his steps steady and confident for someone his age. "Good evening," he greeted politely, giving a small bow of his head. "It’s an honor to meet you."

Cassius raised a brow, setting his drink down. "Honor, huh? Someone’s raising you with manners. I hope you’re not planning to follow your father into boardrooms. You seem smarter than that."

Lian didn’t flinch. "I haven’t decided yet. But I like options."

Brent laughed. "He’s been like that since he could talk. Give him a puzzle and he’ll take it apart before you can finish asking what it is."

Cassius nodded appreciatively. "A brain and manners. Dangerous combo. Keep an eye on him, Larman. He might outwit you someday."

"He already has," Larman admitted with a chuckle.

Lian sat quietly on the edge of the room, picking up a tablet and opening a document without saying more. He knew better than to interrupt grown-up talk, but he was still listening.

Cassius leaned back again. "Well, that’s one less thing I need to worry about. Good genes, good training. You’ve done well."

Larman gave a slight smile, something almost proud in his gaze. "We do what we can."

Outside, the sun dipped lower, casting a warm orange glow across the windows. The room fell into a thoughtful quiet. Cassius could sense the tension underneath the calm surface. This wasn’t just a social call, and they all knew it.

He stood after a moment, adjusting his coat. "I’ll return soon. Once things are in place."

Larman stood too, offering his hand. "Let’s hope it goes the way you expect."

Cassius took it with a firm shake. "It never does. But that’s the fun part."

Brent escorted him to the door, giving him one last glance before opening it. "Watch your back, Cassius."

"Always do," Cassius said, stepping out into the cool evening air.

As the door closed behind him, the estate felt quieter than before. Inside, Larman turned to his son. "Go get some rest, Lian."

The boy nodded and slipped out of the room without another word.

Brent walked back over to the window, arms crossed. "You really think this will work?"

Larman didn’t answer right away. He watched the silhouette of the car disappearing through the gates.

"With Cassius?" he finally said. "It’s not about whether it will work. It’s about how far we’re willing to go if it doesn’t."

---

Later that evening, Zephany could barely keep her eyes open as she trudged down the sidewalk beside Pia. The city lights shimmered on the wet pavement, and the sound of distant honks mixed with chatter from nearby restaurants. Her heels clicked unevenly with every exhausted step.

"Pia, I’m exhausted," Zephany mumbled, dragging her feet. Her shoulders slumped beneath her coat, and the strap of her bag kept sliding off her shoulder. "That live interview drained every ounce of life I had. I just want to sleep."

"Nope," Pia said without missing a beat, tightening her grip on Zephany’s wrist and yanking her forward like a stubborn child. "Tonight, we celebrate."

Zephany groaned dramatically but didn’t resist. She knew Pia well enough to understand that once she set her mind on something, there was no talking her out of it. Besides, deep down, a small part of her admitted she could use a little distraction.

As they entered the bar, the warm glow of hanging lights and the hum of upbeat music wrapped around them. The place was lively, filled with familiar faces from the Air Media. Colleagues raised their glasses and shouted greetings as they spotted Zephany and Pia.

"This way!" one of the editors waved from a table near the back. Several glasses were already half-empty, and the smell of bar food lingered in the air. Laughter buzzed all around.

Zephany smiled shyly, ducking her head as people congratulated her. Pia guided her through the crowd like a proud older sister, until they reached the table. But as soon as Zephany looked up, her feet stopped moving.

A man stood at the edge of the group—tall, composed, with a sharp gaze that seemed to slice through the haze of beer and conversation. His black dress shirt was simple, but it clung just right to his frame, and the way his eyes lingered on her made her skin prick with unease.

"Cassius," she whispered under her breath.

"Miss Draven," he said smoothly, giving her the faintest of smirks. "Good work tonight."

Zephany straightened instantly, swallowing hard. "T-thank you, sir."

She tried not to let her irritation show, but in her mind, she was already imagining chucking her shoe at his head. Cassius Varen—the mastermind behind all those absurd scripts she and Kendrick had been forced to act out—was standing here, acting like he hadn’t ruined her week with one of his ridiculous scenarios."

Normally, Cassius had a teasing glint in his eye, always cracking a subtle joke even in the middle of chaos. But tonight, something was off. His smirk was there, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. His posture was a little too stiff, and the usual relaxed sarcasm in his voice had hardened.

Zephany noticed it immediately.

Did something happen? Did something go wrong?

Her mind raced with possibilities, but she didn’t dare ask. Not here. Not with so many people around.

Before she could say anything else, another figure stepped up beside him—Sophia.