Chapter 5 - THE HUMILIATION THAT WASN'T AN ACCIDENT
Cassandra hadn't simply lost her temper.
She had created a distraction.
The realization made my stomach turn.
While thousands of viewers watched her humiliate me on the upper deck, Julian had apparently used the commotion to access my father's safe.
But one detail bothered me.
The timing.
Julian had entered the crew passage before Cassandra poured champagne over me.
That meant the plan had begun earlier.
Perhaps the livestream was meant to keep me occupied.
Perhaps Cassandra had been instructed to provoke me.
Or perhaps she was reckless enough to make herself useful without understanding the larger scheme.
I needed to know.
I found Cassandra in the guest lounge.
She was pacing beside a window.
Her makeup was still perfect.
Her confidence wasn't.
When she saw me, she folded her arms.
"What now?"
I closed the door.
"Why did Julian ask you to keep me upstairs?"
Her face went pale.
"He didn't."
I waited.
Cassandra looked away.
Then said, "He told me you were trying to embarrass our family."
"How?"
"He said you were going to make some announcement."
"What announcement?"
She hesitated.
"About the yacht."
I stared.
"So you knew it wasn't yours."
Cassandra's face tightened.
"Julian said your family was going to use the party to humiliate us."
"And you decided to humiliate me first."
She said nothing.
I took a breath.
"Cassandra, did your brother ask you to keep your livestream running?"
Her eyes widened.
That was answer enough.
I continued.
"Did he tell you to make sure I stayed on the upper deck?"
Her lips trembled.
"He said it was important."
I felt a cold anger settle inside me.
"Important enough to assault me?"
Cassandra looked down.
For the first time, she seemed genuinely frightened.
"I didn't know he was stealing anything."
I studied her.
"Then tell the police exactly what you do know."
She shook her head.
"My father will destroy me."
I looked at her.
"Cassandra, you tried to destroy me because you thought I couldn't fight back."
Her eyes filled.
I continued.
"Now you have a choice."
May you like
She whispered, "What choice?"
"Protect the lie. Or tell the truth."
