Chapter 1244: What do you think of him?

"Did I surprise you?" Cassandra mused as she stared at Nina from across the table. "You looked like you’d seen a ghost when you saw me."

"Ah, no, that’s not it," Nina laughed awkwardly. "It’s just that... I didn’t know the big client was you."

A soft chuckle escaped Cassandra as she leaned back, exuding an air of elegance. Everything about her — her beautiful face, elegant demeanor, and even the way she chuckled — was simply enchanting. Not that Nina was comparing, but she couldn’t help but wonder.

If Finn and Cassandra had taken their engagement seriously, they would have made a nice pair.

Such an awkward situation.

Even though Cassandra had never done or said anything to harm Nina’s relationship with Finn, it was still an uncomfortable scenario. Even if Nina told herself she was fine with Cassandra, she could never say that with full confidence — especially since she wasn’t.

"Ahem!" Nina cleared her throat and smiled. "Anyway, it’s good to see you again. I designed a few samples based on your preferences and ideas. Here they are — let me know what you think."

Despite the discomfort creeping up her spine, Nina kept a brave smile. This was work, and there was no reason to treat it as anything else. Besides, she just wanted to get this over with.

"I see..." Cassandra took the file but placed it on her side instead of checking it. "I haven’t had breakfast yet, and with my schedule, I doubt I’ll have time for lunch. So, let’s eat first."

"Uh..."

Cassandra raised a brow. "Or is that too much of a bother for you?"

"Of course not. My time is all yours."

"Haha. Don’t worry, I won’t waste it. This is a government project led by the senator—it’s a huge deal," Cassandra said before calling for the staff to take their order. "Nina, do you want something?"

"No, it’s alright." A meek smile masked Nina’s discomfort. "I’ll just have tea, please."

"She’ll have what I’m having... and a tea." Handing the menu back, Cassandra flashed the server a smile before turning her attention back to Nina. "So, Nina, how have you been?"

"I’m good."

"I heard you went on a trip with Finn."

Nina’s smile faltered slightly. "You heard... from?"

"Finn. He told me about it."

"Ahh..."

Cassandra tilted her head to the side, observing. "Do I bother you, Nina?"

"Huh?"

"You seem... like you don’t want to be here."

"It’s not like that. Haha. I’m just surprised that... you heard about the trip. Finn didn’t mention it to me." Nina exhaled deeply. "It’s nothing more than that."

"Ah." Cassandra rocked her head slightly before smiling again. "Well, we keep in touch. To be honest, you’re the first real relationship he’s had. He’s worried about making mistakes, so he asks me things about women."

"Thank you."

"Hmm?"

This time, Nina’s smile brightened. "For helping him."

"Of course. Finn might not have been my real lover, but I care for him just the same. We’re family."

"Then you should come to the family dinner," Nina replied. "Finn and I are hosting one with our families. You should join us."

Cassandra’s brows lifted as she studied Nina’s face, wondering if the invitation was genuine or sarcastic. After a moment, a chuckle escaped her. It was the latter.

"Don’t be jealous," she said. "Trust me, I’m not trying to act like I know your fiancé better than you do. If it sounds that way, I apologize."

"..." Nina pressed her lips into a thin line and lowered her head slightly. "I’m not being sarcastic. I meant it."

After a second, she lifted her head and sighed. "I know you care about Finn, and I know he cares about you, too. You were probably the only person who cared about him before he and I got together. You were right—you were his family."

"Oh." Cassandra’s brows knitted slightly. "I must’ve misread you."

"It’s alright."

"Haha. I’m sorry."

"There’s no need to apologize," Nina shook her head. "Although I’d appreciate it if you did come."

"Thank you, but unfortunately, I don’t think I can make it. Besides, I doubt any of your family members would appreciate an ex-fiancée at such an intimate dinner."

"My family isn’t like that. I’m sure they’d understand."

"Still, thank you, but I can’t." Cassandra leaned back and shrugged. "I’m also introducing my fiancé to my family, after all."

Surprise washed over Nina’s face. Her mouth fell open, but no words came out.

"My boyfriend, Jonathan. You know him, don’t you?" Cassandra continued. "He was your client until you passed him to one of your colleagues. He was very sad about it."

"Is that why you’re hiring me?"

"Haha. Oh, darling. Jonathan’s business is his, and mine is mine. You might not know this, but I don’t like people thinking they can tell me what to do, how to do it, or meddle in my affairs. So, I don’t do it to others either," she explained knowingly. "I hired you because I saw your portfolio and knew I’d found the perfect designer for the project."

Nina bit the inside of her lip, still maintaining a smile. "I see. Thank you."

"There’s no need to thank me — you earned it. I’m actually surprised you haven’t moved to a bigger firm yet."

"My firm may not be as big as others, but it’s a great place to work."

"I see. Well, if it works for you, that’s what matters," Cassandra replied, exchanging smiles with her.

As silence settled over the private dining room, Cassandra smacked her lips. "Nina, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes?"

"What do you think of Jonathan?"

"Your fiancé?"

"Yes, him." Cassandra nodded. "What do you think of him?"

"Cassandra... why are you asking me that? I don’t know Mr. Russel on a personal level."

"Well, I thought you did, considering how close you two seemed at the fan club reunion party." Cassandra shrugged. "Besides, I don’t like being lied to. So, I’m curious — does my future fiancé only have me in his heart, or is he just a good liar?"