482 Checking in with Cass

(Winona)

Cass's face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.

"God, you look wrecked," I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I'm about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I'm going to show-off this place to Cass.

Cass groans. "Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate's first formal dinner since Jayden left. I'm in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!"

I raise an eyebrow. "That's a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself."

"Oh I am. I'm so excited. These chefs are relentless but I'm learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor's constant hovering is killing my vibe a little." ""Hovering?" I ask, confused.

"He's not here physically-he's too busy running Nexus Global-but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I've checked the locks or need anything... it's constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?"

I lean forward, frowning. "Cass, I don't think Jayden's asked Viktor to continue security on you. The threat to you was handled ages ago. The man who was shot during your deal? He was undercover for Gus. He was there to protect you. Also he wasn't really shot, it was staged."

Cass blinks, sitting up straighter. "What? You know about that? That's the main reason I never came home for Lance's service. I didn't want the police picking me up at the airport and putting more pressure on you." "I do know, yes."

"Are you serious? And no one thought to clue me in on that?"

"I figured Viktor or Jayden would've told you," I say, shaking my head. "Honestly, with everything going on, I didn't even think about it. But you're safe, Cass. There's no reason for Viktor to keep playing bodyguard." She exhales sharply, her frustration evident. "So why is he then? Just being a pain in the ass."

"It's been a crazy time for all of us. I think Viktor's just... well, Viktor. He doesn't know how to stop caring once he starts."

to learn some boundaries. I've just been letting it happen

were true, I don't seem to

screen, her gaze sharpening. "Are you

going on. Choosing this house, the pregnancy, the app Lance left me... it's a

it, but she'll

enough doom and gloom, show me the house," she says,

a tour of the downstairs. "The house is spacious but still has that charming, lived-in feel I want for the kids." "That's

is the kitchen," I say, panning over the countertops and the large, dining space bathed in natural light

to make this place amazing. Like

the stairs to the second floor. "But it's going

steep, narrow staircase leading to the attic, I pause. "There's an attic up there stuffed full of old

phone up the

kids are dying to explore it, but I told them they have to wait until I check it

staircase looks

but I've been up here a couple of times, and

climb,

you for a look. Some really amazing things, I'l need some expert help. Might

"Never know. How's Jayden handling everything? You two... figuring

grip tightening

in limbo. I'm just focusing on moving forward, Not having Judy to stress

of

say softly, stepping onto the attic landing. I open the attic

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