Chapitre 1: Chapter 9

Cassandra's POV

The words hung between us, raw and unspoken for so long. I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin, the steady beat of his pulse. There was still so much left to say, so much we hadn't yet addressed, but for the first time, I felt like we were both ready to try.

The hours following the rejected merger felt heavy. Syd had retreated into work mode, fielding calls from frustrated board members and curious investors, while I wandered the office. 

It was a bustling environment, efficient and cold, just like the man Syd had become in his business life. I overheard snippets of conversation between employees, most of whom were baffled by his decision to reject such a lucrative offer.

"Why would he turn it down? That company is huge."

"Maybe he knows something we don't. Syd always has a reason."