Dumped Today Married Tomorrow: My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Hearing Cassian’s words, Anastasia felt butterflies explode in her stomach, heat creeping up her

neck.

The way he’d been looking at her just now–like she was something precious–made her pulse race

uncontrollably.

“Come on, let me show you around properly.” Cassian intertwined their fingers and led her deeper into the penthouse.

As they walked, he pointed out different spaces with obvious pride. “About thirty–two hundred square feet. Master suite, three guest bedrooms, home office, and two and a half baths…”

Anastasia tried not to gawk. In Manhattan real estate, this much space was basically priceless.

When they reached the master bedroom, she froze in the doorway, staring at the enormous king–size

bed that dominated the room.

Her heart started hammering against her ribs.

The bedroom was stunning–floor–to–ceiling windows, modern furniture, and soft lighting that made the luxurious bedding look impossibly inviting.

Cassian noticed her deer–in–headlights expression, his mouth curving into a knowing smile. “Something wrong with the bed, Mrs. Rhodes?”

The way he said “Mrs. Rhodes” sent shivers down her spine.

‘No, it’s just… really big,” she managed, voice barely above a whisper.

Cassian’s laugh was low and slightly rough. “Big is definitely better. More room for… all sorts of

activities.”

His voice dropped to that dangerous frequency that made her knees wobble, and Anastasia’s face

went nuclear.

she stared at her feet, twisting her wedding ring nervously, caught between panic and anticipation.

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Seeing her genuine nervousness, Cassian’s expression gentled. He stepped closer, tilting her chin up with one finger. “Hey, look at me. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I meant what I said–we go at your pace.”

Anastasia met his eyes, finding only patience and warmth. “Okay,” she breathed.

Then Cassian’s mouth quirked up slightly. “Though I’m hoping you don’t torture me for too long.”

Anastasia turned roughly the color of a fire truck.

“Oh, and tomorrow we’re having dinner with my parents. They’re dying to start planning our wedding celebration.”

Anastasia’s eyes went wide. “We’re doing a big wedding?”

“Of course. I want the whole world to know you’re mine.” His possessive tone made her stomach flip.

“Something unforgettable.”

“Maybe we should hold off on that for now. I’ve got some loose ends to tie up first.” The last thing she

needed was Jasper and his toxic family crashing her wedding.

Cassian studied her face for a moment. “Whatever you need. We’ll do this however makes you

comfortable.”

His immediate acceptance of her wishes made something warm bloom in her chest.

The next morning, Jasper got an imperious summons from his mother to come home immediately.

Since he’d been enjoying breakfast in bed with Valeria, he decided to bring her along to make the

visit more entertaining.

They strolled into the Hale family’s Upper East Side mansion hand in hand, playing the part of Manhattan’s golden couple.

Megan appeared in the foyer wearing a perfectly coordinated outfit and her brightest fake smile. “Jasper, darling! And who’s this gorgeous creature?”

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She looked Valeria up and down with obvious interest

Jasper squeezed Valeria’s hand proudly. “Mom, meet Valeria Kingsley. Her father owns Kingsley Industries.”

Megan’s eyes practically glittered with dollar signs.

The Kingsley heiress! Now this was the caliber of girl she’d always envisioned for her son–so much classier than that trashy little nobody Anastasia.

Since Sharpson Kingsley’s messy divorce and remarriage, most of society had forgotten about his estranged daughter. Anastasia had completely severed ties with her father and refused to use the family name anyway. –

Not that she’d want to be associated with that scandal

Meanwhile, Valeria was practically vibrating with excitement to finally be inside the Hale mansion.

The Hales were practically American royalty–old money, social connections, political influence. Dating Jasper was definitely a step up from her usual crowd.

‘It’s such an honor to meet you, Mrs. Hale,” Valeria said with practiced sweetness.

Megan immediately melted, grasping Valeria’s hands like they were old friends. “Oh, you’re absolutely darling! So elegant and well–bred. Come in, come in–I’ve had Cook prepare lunch.”

Valeria blushed prettily at the warm reception. “You’re too kind.”

asper relaxed seeing his mother’s instant approval. “Easy, Mom. Don’t scare her off on the first visit.‘

Megan laughed melodiously, linking arms with Valeria. “I’m just thrilled! Finally, a girl with proper

reeding and social standing. I couldn’t be happier!”

he led them to the formal dining room and personally seated Valería in the place of honor.

Once they were settled with champagne, Megan’s expression turned business–like. “Now Jasper, Lave you dealt with that Anastasia problem yet?”

Still working on it. She’s demanding three hundred million for her shares.” Jasper’s voice carried

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barely controlled irritation.

Megan’s face contorted with outrage. “Three hundred million? That little gutter rat has lost her fucking mind!”

Valeria’s pulse quickened with vicious satisfaction, though she maintained her innocent facade. “Mrs. Hale, please don’t let Ana upset you. She’s probably just lashing out because she’s hurt.”

Megan’s laugh was pure ice. “Hurt? That pathetic social climber should be grateful we tolerated her as long as we did! Who does she think she is, trying to extort our family?”

Jasper shifted uncomfortably. “Mom, legally she does own forty percent of the company. The paperwork’s ironclad.“–

What he couldn’t bring himself to admit was that without Anastasia’s talent and connections, J&A

would still be a pipe dream.