Opening the door slowly, she was greeted by two elegantly dressed women, strangers in appearance but radiating an air of wealth and control.

“Miss Elara Voss?” the taller woman asked with a poised smile. “I’m Eleanor Rhys... Cassian’s mother. This is Vivienne Langley.”

Elara’s chest tightened. Cassian’s mother... and the young woman beside her whose name carries weight—likely the heir to the Langley family business.

“We’ve come to personally thank you,” Eleanor continued smoothly, her gaze calm but assessing. “For saving my son years ago. Without you... well, things might have been very different for our family.”

“I... that was a long time ago,” Elara said, keeping her voice even despite the storm building inside her.

Eleanor’s polite smile didn’t falter, but her words sharpened. “True. But debts of life are not forgotten in our family. And since you've reappeared in Cassian’s life... I believe you deserve to know the full truth.”

Elara’s eyes darkened with caution.

“My son,” Eleanor said softly, "is not merely the celebrity you see on screen. He is the sole heir to Rhys International — our family’s corporation."

Elara stared. The world tipped for a moment, her mind spinning. An heir...?

“This is not public knowledge,” Eleanor added meaningfully. “We expect you to keep this information to yourself. For everyone’s sake.”

Vivienne finally spoke, stepping forward with a faint, polished smirk. “And while we are grateful for what you did years ago... you should understand that Cassian’s future has been carefully planned long before you reappeared.”

Elara stiffened. “Planned?”

Vivienne’s smile widened slightly. “Cassian and I are expected to marry. Our families have considered this arrangement since childhood. You were... unexpected. But easily corrected.”

Eleanor sighed softly and looked at Elara with a hint of reproach.

“Despite our clear plans, Cassian has made it known to us that he is interested in someone else. This has caused tension between our families. While his choice goes against our arrangement, we know there is more to his feelings than just rebellion.”

Elara’s mind raced. Though no one spoke of scandals or rumors, the weight of family expectations pressed heavily on them both. She struggled to reconcile the man she knew with the duties imposed upon him.

“We came here to thank you, but also to warn you,” Eleanor said firmly. “You must understand the delicate position you are in. Cassian’s life is filled with expectations and obligations that don’t easily allow room for love — especially when the families are watching.”

There it was. The warning dressed in civility. A ‘thank you’ wrapped in ‘stay away’.

As Elara stood frozen, Eleanor reached into her bag and placed a slim envelope on the nearby table.

“A small token of our gratitude. You may find it helpful.”

Elara stared at the envelope, untouched.

Vivienne’s gaze lingered, smug. “Some things are best left as a memory, Miss Voss. For everyone’s good.”

Without waiting for a reply, the two women turned and left, their heels clicking sharply down the hall.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Elara pressed her back against it, her heart racing.

Cassian... why didn’t you tell me?

And more chilling than that—what exactly did they mean by 'arrangement'...?