Chapter 1360: Last mercy

[SKYLINE PLAZA: Finn’s]

Finn sat alone in the study room of his home in utter silence, his eyes blank, deep in thought.

Bzt... Bzt...

The vibration of his phone against the desk snapped him from his trance. Glancing down, he slowly picked it up. A small smile appeared on his face when he saw Nina’s name on the screen.

"Hey." His voice was gentle, affectionate. "How are you?"

Nina chuckled. "You’re asking like we didn’t just see each other not long ago."

"Well, it feels like I’ve been waiting the whole day."

"I just got to the office," she pouted, giggling as she slowed her steps in the building. "I’ll call you on my lunch break. No client meetings today—I’m finalizing the design and submitting it to my boss."

"Mhm."

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Of course." He nodded. "Why wouldn’t I be?"

"Well." Nina stopped at the side of the office lobby, tucking her hair behind her ear. "You seemed a little distracted last night after dinner with your family. I know you said it’s not a big deal and that they’re just upset about the family meeting, but... I’m still a bit worried."

Finn smiled subtly. Just why couldn’t he stay with her 24/7?

"I’m fine, Nina," he reassured her. "But I’ll be even better once you come home."

"I’ll finish early and come straight back," she hummed. "Then we’ll have plenty of time together."

"Mhm."

"Anyway, I’m already here. So, see you later?"

"See you later," he whispered, but before she could end the call, he added, "Nina."

"Yes?"

Finn hesitated before saying, "You’ll come back, okay?"

"Where else would I go?" she quipped, used to his constant farewell. "Bye-bye."

Then, the call ended.

Finn’s smile remained for a moment, but as he put his phone down, it slowly faded. He gazed at the screen, emotions swirling in his chest, his jaw tightening. A shallow breath slipped past his lips before he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Silence returned to the room before Finn made his next move.

Picking up his phone again, his thumb hovered over Cassandra’s contact. Hesitation flickered in his eyes before he tapped the call button, pressing the phone to his ear.

Ring... ring... ring...

The call rang endlessly, but he waited.

Then, at last, she answered.

"Finn," Cassandra greeted, her voice as soothing as ever. "How are you?"

"Fine," Finn exhaled, swallowing the tension in his throat. But before he could say more, Cassandra spoke again.

"Finn, about last time... I’m sorry," she whispered, guilt lacing her tone. "I don’t know what got into me that night. It must’ve been the alcohol. That was embarrassing and pathetic—I’m sorry."

Finn remained silent, listening. To be fair, he hadn’t dwelled on that night. He knew the Cassandra he saw then wasn’t the one he knew. He blamed the alcohol, the weight of her problems. But if it happened again... it would put a wall between them that had never been there before.

So, he chose to forget it. For his sake. For hers.

But alas...

"Cassy, where are you?" Finn asked, ignoring her apology. "Can we meet today?"

Cassandra hesitated, surprised. She had just stepped out of the kitchen, glancing back inside where Mrs. Davis sat.

"I’m not available right now," she said. "But maybe later?"

"Are you at my parents’ house?" Finn asked, catching her off guard.

She paused before saying, "Yes. Your mom invited me over. For old times’ sake, I came. But it’s nothing serious. We were family at one point, right, Finn?"

Finn tapped his finger against the desk, his chest tightening.

"Let me know when you’re free. Let’s meet up," he said.

"Okay—"

He ended the call before she could say more. Tossing his phone onto the desk, he massaged his temple as a dull ache began to form. Another moment passed before he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the study.

---

[PIERSON CORPORATION]

"Sir, Mr. Davis is here. He wants to see you," Benjamin’s voice crackled through the telecom. He rarely used it, but he had been trying to keep his distance from Zoren. "I’m sending him in."

Zoren glanced at the telecom but didn’t bother to respond. He continued working even when he heard three faint knocks before the door opened.

"I need to talk to you. It’s personal."

Slowly, Zoren lifted his gaze. Finn stood a few steps away, dressed down in a simple shirt, pants, and a jacket—far from his usual suit-and-tie attire.

"I wasn’t aware that discussing personal matters required a change of wardrobe," Zoren remarked dryly, setting aside his reading glasses. He didn’t bother getting up, simply leaning back in his chair.

If this were business, he’d offer Finn the courtesy of sitting in the guest area. But Finn said it was personal. No need for formality.

"What is it, Finn?" Zoren inquired, then added, "If this is about breaking off the engagement, you’re in the wrong office. That discussion belongs in my father-in-law’s office, First Brother’s office, Penny’s office, Mama’s office, and Auntie Jessa’s kitchen."

"I’m marrying Nina, even if I lose my family’s support from both sides," Finn declared without hesitation, stepping closer. "Cassandra. She’s going to join your family soon, isn’t she?"

Zoren arched a brow. "And?"

"I..." Finn trailed off, his chest heavy. Yet the determination in his eyes didn’t waver. "I have nothing to do with her. So if she becomes collateral in taking down Jonathan—so be it."

Zoren’s brows shot up in surprise. He hadn’t expected that.

"I’m done with her," Finn breathed out. "So I’m telling you this in case my history with her gives you a pause."

"I see." Zoren nodded, processing the weight of Finn’s words.

"That’s all." Finn lowered his head slightly before turning to leave. But just as he reached the door, Zoren spoke.

"Why?" Zoren rested his chin against his knuckles, watching Finn’s back. "Why cut her off after all these years of protecting her?"

Finn lowered his gaze. Then, over his shoulder, he said, "I am still protecting her, but this... from my own wrath."

It was his last mercy for her, especially after sending that horrible gift to Nina.

Cassandra crossed the line.

A line Finn could never overlook even with their long history.