Chapter 1245: Nina, hello?

"Nina. Nina? Nina, hello? You there?"

Nina flinched, snapping out of her trance. Her eyes shook slightly, darting between the two women looking at her curiously.

"Nina, are you okay?" Penny furrowed her brows and reached out. "You seem a little out of it. Is everything okay?"

Lily nodded. "Did your client bully you or something? Tell me who it was. I’m going to teach them a lesson and let them know the customer isn’t always right."

"Haha." A soft, defeated laugh escaped Nina as she gazed at their concerned expressions. "Lily, it’s not like that. This isn’t school anymore. So no bullying."

"Bullying happens at all ages, and it’s not just exclusive to school," Lily replied knowingly. "You’re too lenient, after all. Sometimes, I wish you were a little more like the vile kid you used to be."

"Pfft—" Penny pursed her lips, trying to stop herself from laughing. It was funny to her because, at one point, she also thought Nina should carry some of her bad traits into adulthood. Nina had changed... to the extreme.

If not for Finn, they might all start to think she was about to enter a convent.

"It’s not funny," Nina frowned at the two of them, sighing. "I just couldn’t help but think about my meeting with my client. But it’s not like you’re thinking. Also, even if my clients treat me badly, I might sit through it, but I’m not going to work for them. It’s not like they’re the only clients in the world."

She might’ve said that, but Nina rarely rejected a project. By "rare," she meant she’d only done it once — when it was Jonathan’s request. Even though she did reject the project, Jonathan hadn’t done anything to offend her. It was a decision she made, not because of Jonathan’s actions, but because she felt a bit uncomfortable.

Nina wanted to believe the discomfort stemmed from Jonathan being Cassandra’s lover. It was her heart telling her to stay away from any potential drama. Besides, Finn had also told her he didn’t like Jonathan, which gave Nina even more reason to drop the client.

Still, the personal conversation she’d had with Cassandra lingered in her mind.

---

[Short Flashback]

"Well, I thought you two were close, considering how you seemed at the fan club reunion party. 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?"

Cassandra’s words made Nina recall the reunion party. According to Jonathan, Cassandra wouldn’t make it because of an emergency. But she had come. She’d been in the greenhouse, and she even showed Nina around.

At the time, Nina hadn’t thought much of it, assuming Cassandra had eventually arrived.

But now, it seemed as though Cassandra had been there from the beginning.

"We’re not exactly close, but I think Mr. Russel is a good person."

"Pierson."

"Huh?"

Cassandra offered a subtle smile. "It’s Jonathan Pierson, Nina. It’s a long story, but he’s part of the Pierson family... and he’s Penelope’s brother-in-law. Half brother-in-law, to be exact."

"..." Nina froze, her brow furrowing. She hadn’t known that. "Half... brother-in-law...?"

"Yes. He’s the late Enzo’s son from another woman," Cassandra shrugged. "Didn’t Penny tell you?"

"She doesn’t tell anyone anything."

"I guess she’s still as secretive as ever."

"It’s a private matter," Nina remarked. "Not a secret. Had I asked, she would tell me without hesitation, but I don’t pry."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the firmness in Nina’s tone. "I see," she nodded. "So, you don’t mind if people say something insensitive to you, but not to Penny? I like you."

"Miss Cassandra, this is a formal meeting, so I’d appreciate it if you refrained from making comments about my family," Nina warned sternly. "Whether good or bad, please."

"I understand. I apologize for forgetting the purpose of this meeting," Cassandra nodded. "It’s not my intention."

"I know it isn’t, which is why I’m saying this — just to let you know," Nina continued. "After all, if this project moves forward, it means I’ll be working with you."

"I understand." Cassandra nodded again. "I apologize once more. Though I think they’ll be happy to hear that you protect them even without their knowledge."

"They’re my family," Nina emphasized. "It’s only natural for me to do that, and I know they’d do the same for me."

A moment of silence fell over them, and Nina’s smile faded. Meanwhile, Cassandra maintained a small smile, trying to figure out how to describe Nina.

After a while, Cassandra tilted her head slightly. "So? Do you have anything to say about my future groom?"

"Like I said, I don’t know Mr. Russel... Pierson, on a deeper personal level. But I think he’s a good person."

"Then why did you drop him?"

"..." Nina didn’t respond immediately. She gazed at Cassandra for a moment before speaking. "I’m getting engaged, and the project would take up a lot of my time. I can’t commit when I’m preparing for one of the biggest days of my life."

It was a lie.

Nina didn’t want to say anything that could harm someone’s relationship. From all the interactions she’d had with Cassandra — including this one — she could tell that Cassandra wasn’t as lenient as others might think. In fact, Cassandra seemed to have a lot more going on than she let on.

Nina didn’t want to be a part of whatever relationship drama might unfold.

Cassandra smiled. "I told you, Miss Reed. I don’t like liars, but I’ll let this pass since I understand your intention." She nodded at Nina and added, "Thank you for trying to protect this relationship."

With that, Cassandra reached for the files Nina had handed her earlier. "Since the food is taking its time, let’s proceed with the main agenda for today."

And just like that, Cassandra didn’t bring up anything personal again, focusing instead on the sample designs Nina had given her. The meeting ended professionally. In the end, Nina excused herself, leaving Cassandra to eat alone.