Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 11

Chapter Eleven: Her Determination.

Cassienne had cut her cake and fed each of her friends. Her smile was bright and real, different from the tired one she wore earlier. Being with her friends brought her energy back. It felt like she could breathe again.

“How did you know I was here?” she finally asked, wiping cake crumbs from her fingers.

Merrick chuckled softly. He set his dessert fork down and leaned back comfortably in his chair. “We figured you’d be here since you’re no longer in the Tremont mansion,” he said honestly.

The cheerful mood faded immediately. Cassienne’s smile slowly disappeared, replaced by a sad and distant look. The memory of what had pushed her to leave that house hit her again like a cold wave.

“I’m sorry you had to find out that way,” she whispered, looking down.

Daisy’s eyes softened. “Are you okay?” she asked in a voice filled with concern.

“Yes, I’m fine,Cassienne replied, though her voice trembled a little. “I think we’re really done this time.” She swallowed and added, “Besides, I’m jobless now.”

Silence filled the room. But it wasn’t a sad silence. It was a silence full of understanding–full of support. Her friends looked at her with pride, not pity.

Merrick spoke first. “You know, this is the best decision you’ve made in five years,” he said sincerely. “It’s time you get yourself back.”

Aurora suddenly clapped her hands excitedly. “Okay, enough sad talk! Today is Cassienne’s day, and we are going clubbing tonight. Yesssss!”

Daisy cheered along. Merrick laughed and shook his head, but he agreed too. “It’s about time she gets herself back,” he said with a nod.

Cassienne smiled–really smiled. And for the first time in a long while, she felt alive.

The night was warm, and Lux Haven was packed full of people. Music thumped through the walls, lights flashed everywhere, and the whole club seemed to vibrate with excitement.

Cassienne and her friends walked in together, and Merrick guided them to a VIP corner like he owned the

place.

They sat down, taking in the lively atmosphere. Cassienne wore a black leather jacket and a matching mini- skirt that showed off her long, straight legs. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, making her face look even more elegant. Her knee–high boots completed the outfit perfectly. She felt bold, beautiful, and confident.

It had been so long since she felt this way. So long since she allowed herself to feel anything other than sadness. But tonight was different. Tonight was her birthday. She wanted to enjoy it—completely.

And judging from the way men kept glancing at her from the other VIP sections, she was definitely the prettiest woman in the room. If Merrick wasn’t sitting beside her, she probably would have had drinks sent to her already.

Chapter Eleven: Her Determination.

A waitress came to take their orders and left. The friends began talking, laughing, and catching up on everything they had missed about each other.

Then Aurora suddenly froze. Her eyes widened as she looked toward the club entrance.

“Oh my–fuck me,” she whispered and grabbed Daisy’s arm

All of them turned to see what she was looking at.

That was when they saw them. Three men walked into the club with confidence that made everyone stare.

Dreston, Garry, and Ray.

Dreston Tremont and his two best friends from high school–friends he kept close even as adults. Where

one went, the others followed. Their bond was unbreakable.

Dreston dressed in a black button down shirt and black pants, giving him a dashing look. Cassienne swallowed right away just by seeing how handsome he looked tonight.

And beside them…Was Tina Ackley, looking beautiful and flashy as always. Her look made a knot twisted inside Cassienne’s stomach.

The entire club turned their heads. These four were well–known, powerful, and rich. People whispered their

names everywhere they went.

Dreston’s family was one of the richest in Nether–Kingdom and Southvale City.

Garry’s family, the Richardsons, were the wealthiest wine producers in Lisbourn. Garry now controlled the empire.

Tina Ackley came from the most influential banking family in Southvale, and she acted like everyone needed

to know it. 2

And Ray’s family, the Simpsons, owned the biggest and best hospital in Lisbourn, though he chose to work in another one in Southvale.

Their presence alone made the entire club shift.

Bodyguards flanked them on both sides, clearing a path as they entered. They walked with power–power that was impossible to ignore.

Cassienne looked away instantly. Seeing them, especially seeing him, was something she didn’t want tonight. Her heart clenched painfully, but she forced herself to breathe.

Today was her birthday.

Just for tonight, she refused to shed even one tear over Dreston.

“I think we should leave,” Merrick said quietly.

“I agree,” Aurora added softly. She was the gentle one among them, always protective.

Cassienne snapped her head toward them. “Why? Because of them?” she asked, anger rising in her chest.

Cassienne was hurting deeply. Bitterness sat heavy in her chest, but jealousy was right there with it. Seeing

Chapter Eleven: Her Determination.

Tina standing beside Dreston was something she would never get used to. It broke her heart every single time, even though she kept pretending she was fine.

She straightened in her seat. Her eyes hardened with determination. Trying all she could to look okay.

“I’m not going anywhere. If anyone should leave this club, it should be them. I’m here to celebrate my birthday, and that is final.”

Daisy cheered loudly. “YES! That’s my girl! The Cassienne I used to know is back!”

Merrick leaned forward. “Are you sure you can handle this? We’re okay, you know that. We’re just worried about you.”

Cassienne held his gaze.

“I meant every word when I said I was done,” she said firmly. “I can handle this. And right now, all I need is a drink and a dance. Today is my day.”

“God, she’s back,” Aurora whispered happily.

They all agreed.

Just then, Dreston and his group reached the VIP section. Tina walked slightly ahead of them, clearly feeling proud to be seen with such powerful men.

Her eyes scanned the room-

Then suddenly stopped. As she took in the sight before her.

“Cassienne?” Tina called out, surprise written all over her face.

Chapter

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.