The Billionaire’s Ex-Wife (Her Ex-Husband’s Regret) Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Breathe, Cassandra. Just breathe!

I look at my reflection in the mirror. The smokey–eyed girl dressed in glittery red halter top gown is a far cry from the plain–looking girl–next–door that this city had once known.

I

Tonight, as I march into this extravagant masquerade ball, I am going to embrace the enchanting persona I had crafted for this elusive evening.

Kayden Steele will no longer see Cassie Carlisle. It’s time for him to meet Cassandra King.

I hold my mask in place, as I start to descend the steps leading to the ballroom. I can see that almost everybody who is anybody in the city is here.

Well, a masquerade ball is the perfect excuse for the lavish display of opulence, after all.

As I walk down the elegant stairs, I can hear the sound of laughter and music, mixing with the clinking of glasses and hushed

conversations.

But suddenly, I hear curious gasps from the crowd and the chattering seems to have stopped. That’s when I start to feel dozens of pairs of eyes on me.

The room falls into a hushed silence as I continue my descent, the weight of their stares heavy on my shoulders.

“Who is she?”

“An enchantress?”

‘She’s mesmerizing?”

*Is she an elite

like us?”

It’s either I’ve developed supernatural hearing, or these people just don’t care that I can actually hear them.

Shit! I should have asked Ethan to accompany me. If he’s not available, then Lyn or Attorney Magnus. Even Alberte will do!

I feel like I’m fresh meat about to enter a den full of hungry wolves.

I can’t back out now. I’m not leaving this place without accomplishing what I came here for.

I survey

ey the entire floor for the city’s Mayor, whose eyes are also transfixed on me. In spite of his mask, Limmediately recognize him with his white beard and bulging belly.

You can do this, Cassie! It’s time for introductions since you’ve achieved your grand entrance.

I quickly make my way towards the mayor, trying my best not to trip on my high heels.

I

“Mister Mayor. It is indeed an honor.” I put down my mask as I greet him.

His smile widens. “You must be Miss King. No one warned us that you are a sight to behold.” He shakes my hand. “May I introduce,

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I shake Cecilia’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cecilia.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Cecilia smiles.

I’ve seen both the mayor and Cecilia before, back when I used to be a citizen here. I never remembered them as warm and jolly people. Did they change over the years? Or are they nicer because I am no longer part of the general public?

“Your grandfather and I were very close,” the mayor says. “He is such a big loss in the community.”

“You are luckier than me, I guess. I never met my grandfather at all.”

“It must have been a shock to you to know that he’s left his company to your care, Cecilia remarks. “I heard you were also quite successful in Manhattan.”

“Well, my own company is indeed flourishing.”

“King’s Court is one of the city’s most prized companies. I hope you are not planning to relocate your grandfather’s business to Manhattan.” The Mayor laughs nervously.

Great! These people must have done their research on me the moment they heard that I’m attending tonight’s festivities..

“King’s Court is in a lot of cities. We even have different branches outside the country.” I tell him reassuringly,

“But with their centralized financial department being located here, the city greatly benefits from the taxes that it pays here.” The Mayor points out.

So, that’s what he’s pointing at. It all boils down to money, doesn’t it?

I smile at him widely. “It’s not just about the taxes, Mr. Mayor. I’m sure there are old–time employees in the company who are more comfortable if we stay put.”

“Exactly!” The Mayor says. “So, I hope you won’t have plans of shaking that up in the near future.”

And what? I will move back here?

But before I can open my mouth, someone interrupts behind me.

“I don’t think that’s something you need to worry about, Mr. Mayor.”

That voice.. that very familiar voice sends chills to my bones.

Damn it!

My knees start to buckle, and I can feel myself falling short of breath. With almost shaking hands, I hold my mask back to cover my

eyes.

Calm down, Cassie! You’re no longer in love with him. He can’t hurt you anymore.

“Mr. Steele,” the Mayor greets. “It’s nice to see you again.”

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3/4

Kayden shakes the Mayor’s hand. “Pleasure is all mine.”

“I would like to introduce our honored guest. I am not sure if you’ve met before.” The Mayor turns to me. “This is Miss Cassandra King, the heiress of King’s Court.”

“Heiress?” Kayden echoes, his voice full of surprise.

Apparently, his team is not as diligent as the Mayor’s because he’s obviously not heard about me.

Kayden turns to me, his eyes widen in surprise. Unlike the others, he isn’t wearing a mask at all, so he isn’t able to hide the rush of emotions that flicker across his face.

For a moment, I thought he recognized me. But he simply stands there, staring at me in awe, as if trying to place me or imagining how I’d look like without my mask.

“Ahem!” the Mayor clears his throat, noticing that Kayden has been staring at me, as if he’d fallen in love at the first sight of me. “Ms. King is indeed a lovely sight to behold, isn’t she?”

imself back to reality

Kayden shakes himself back to reality. I watch in satisfaction as a rush of blood creeps over his cheeks.

Finally! I was able to mesmerize him!

Well, I can’t wait until he gets the shock of his life when I reveal my face!

“Ummm… sorry, I was… I wasn’t informed that Mr. King left his business to a relative.”

“Oh, apparently, Miss King runs a very successful interior design firm. It’s one of the most in–demand in the country.”

“Is that so? What’s… what’s the name of the firm? I might have heard of it,” Kayden asks.

“It’s Cassandra Designs, Cecilia smiles, quite happy to supply Kayden with information he didn’t know beforehand.

“Oh, I’ve heard of that firm. We’re looking to hire them for one of our bigger projects. But I heard their schedule is quite hectic.”

“Well, there you have it. You can directly speak to the owner, Miss King.”

Kayden turns to me with an interested smile. “Miss King, it is good that we’ve met in this event. It is unfortunate that we haven’t met each other before. My name is Kayden Steele. I am the CEO of Steele Corp.”

Oh, we definitely have met before, my dear ex–husband!

Kayden extends his hand to me. I merely glance at it.

I take an intentional pause, leaving his hand hanging in the air, forcing him to take in those embarrassing moments of silence. The Mayor, raises his hand to start clearing his throat, but I interrupt him,

*Actually… that’s not quite correct,” I say. “We have met each other before.” Then slowly… dramatically… I take my mask away from my face. “It’s nice to see you again… Mister Steele.”

I watch with full satisfaction as Kayden’s eyes widen in shock, and his mouth drops to the floor, “C–Cassie?!”

O

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