Chapter 26 Tamia had already pulled Rachel from the reflecting pool , water streaming from her designer gown . She immediately wrapped her blazer around Rachel's shivering form . Fortunately , Tamia had worn a pantsuit to her business meetings earlier - she still had a blouse underneath . Since the suit was custom - tailored with a unique design , it looked perfectly appropriate for the gala setting . Jasper held Valeria protectively , his face dark as he shot Rachel an accusatory look . " What the hell , Ana ? You could have seriously hurt her ! " Hearing his words , white hot rage flooded through Rachel . She stared at him with ice - cold contempt . " Are you fucking blind , Jasper ? She's the one who dragged me into the water , and now somehow it's my fault ? " The gathering crowd began whispering among themselves , many giving Rachel judgmental looks , assuming she'd acted out of jealousy . Valeria caught the shift in public opinion , satisfaction flashing in her eyes before she quickly replaced it with wounded innocence . " Jasper , please don't blame Ana , " she whispered through fake tears . " This is all my fault . I shouldn't have made her angry … " Yes , she'd done it completely on purpose ! In front of all these influential people , she'd wanted to humiliate Rachel publicly . Tamia exploded with fury , pointing an accusing finger . " Cut the victim act , Valeria ! Everyone saw you yank Ana into that pool , and now you're playing innocent ? You're absolutely shameless ! " Valeria recoiled dramatically , clinging to Jasper's sleeve with trembling hands . " I didn't … I would never … How can you say such horrible things about me ? " Jasper's expression turned even darker . He pulled Valeria closer protectively , shooting Tamia a withering glare . " Watch your mouth . Valeria doesn't deserve to be attacked like this . " " Oh , fuck off ! You're both trash ! " Tamia was practically vibrating with indignation . Just as Jasper opened his mouth to respond , Valeria tugged on his arm . " It's okay , Jasper . Don't make this worse . I'm fine , but Ana really seems to hate me … " Her performance was absolutely flawless - wounded , forgiving , completely innocent . Suddenly , Rachel grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter and threw it directly in Valer face . The wine hit with a satisfying splash , cutting off Valeria's fake tears instantly . Her shock was genuine this time , wine dripping down her carefully contoured cheeks . That fucking bitch ! How dare she ! Rachel's voice was deadly calm , laced with dark satisfaction . " Since you want to play the victim so badly , now you actually have 12:18 Game Over , Mafia Boss ! Now Pay in Blood For Killing Our Three Kids 19.5 % Chapter 26 something to cry about . I threw that wine - I own that completely . " With that , she grabbed Tamia's arm and walked away with her head held high . The remaining crowd looked at Valeria with newfound skepticism . One woman had remained composed and direct , while the other was clearly performing . It wasn't hard to figure out who was really behind the drama . " Jasper … " Valeria's voice trembled as she looked up at him with wounded eyes . " I'm so cold , and my head is spinning " She was absolutely seething at Rachel , but she had to maintain her helpless act . Jasper watched Rachel's retreating figure with unexpected irritation churning in his chest . He looked down at the shivering woman in his arms . " Let me take you to the hospital to get checked out . " Valeria could only nod weakly . " Okay . " Despite being soaked and cold , Rachel felt strangely peaceful inside . Walking out of the museum into the cool night air , she took a deep breath , feeling the weight of three years finally lifting from her shoulders . " Rachel . " A deep , familiar voice called from behind her . She turned to see a tall figure approaching through the shadows . He wore an impeccably tailored black tuxedo , his face austere and commanding , eyes that seemed to see straight through to her soul . Cassian . Her heart immediately started racing . She hadn't expected to see him while looking like a drowned cat . " Cassian . " She managed a small smile , trying to keep her voice steady . Tamia's eyes went wide as saucers . Wait - this was the legendary Cassian Rhodes ? The most powerful man in Manhattan ? And he knew Ana personally ? This was beyond mind - blowing ! Before Tamia could process what was happening , Cassian had crossed the distance between them . He took Rachel's hands in his , his brow furrowed with concern . " What happened ? Why are you soaking wet ? " Rachel knew he'd find out anyway - the man had resources everywhere . " Just a small incident . " Como Quer Mafia Ross ! Now Pay in Blood For Killing Our Three Kids 19.7 % Chapter 26 Tamia jumped in indignantly . " Incident , my ass ! That psycho Valeria deliberately dragged her into the pool ! " Cassian's expression turned dangerous . Someone had actually dared to hurt his wife ? They clearly had a death wish . Rachel didn't want their relationship public yet - too many complications still to resolve . " It's fine . I handled it . Actually gave her something real to cry about . " She quickly changed the subject . " Cassian , this is my best friend Tamia . " " Tamia , meet Cassian . " " Ms. Summer , pleasure to meet you , " Cassian said with perfect politeness . Tamia was practically speechless . The man before her was absolutely devastating - sharp cheekbones , intense eyes , and an aura of controlled power that was both terrifying and magnetic . When the hell had Ana met this god among men ? She was definitely demanding a full interrogation later . " Mr. Rhodes , the pleasure's all mine ! " Cassian nodded briefly before turning back to Rachel . " Let's go home . " Rachel blinked in surprise . " Aren't you supposed to be networking at the gala ? " His gaze dropped to her wet dress , voice gentle but brooking no argument . " Not anymore . You need to get out of those wet clothes . " Rachel looked down at her bedraggled state . " You're right . Let's go . " Tamia listened to this exchange with her jaw practically on the floor . She grabbed Rachel's sleeve , whispering urgently , " Ana , what the hell is going on ? You two sound like … like you're together or something ! " Rachel's face flushed with embarrassment as she tried to figure out how to explain . But Cassian beat her to it . out on me ! How could you " Ms. Summer , Rachel is my wife . " " WHAT ? WIFE ?! " Tamia's voice cracked with shock . " Since when are you MARRIED ?! " Rachel hadn't expected Cassian to be so direct about their relationship , her cheeks burning bright red . Tamia finally recovered from her shock , smacking Rachel's shoulder playfully . " Girl , you've been ho not tell your best friend you married Manhattan royalty ?! " " We're keeping it quiet for now , " Rachel said sheepishly . " I still have to deal with the whole J & R situation . " Tamia immediately mimed zipping her lips . " Ms. Sunumer , can we give you a ride home ? " Cassian offered , clearly noting how close she and Rachel were . 12:18 Game Over . Mafia Boss ! Now Pay in Blood For Killing Our Three Kids 19.98 % Chapter 26 " No thanks , I drove myself , " Tamia replied quickly . As Rachel walked away with Cassian , Tamia watched them go with pure admiration . They looked absolutely perfect together - like something out of a fairy tale . Title: 8 Years Wasted: Now Payback Time, My Ex! Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Modern Status: ongoing In "8 Years Wasted: Now Payback Time, My Ex!" by CrushReel, follow the tumultuous journey of Deron Crane, the heir to Crane Corp. For nearly a decade, he selflessly catered to every desire of Beth Hart, unaware of her clandestine alliance with his own brother, Odin Crane. This betrayal ultimately leads to Deron's unforeseen downfall... Delve into the intricate dynamics of love, loyalty, and deception as Deron navigates through the complexities of his relationships with Beth and Odin. The novel explores themes of trust shattered and hearts broken against the backdrop of modern romance. Amidst family intrigue and romantic turmoil, Deron's resilience is put to the test as he seeks retribution for the years lost in devotion. What sets "8 Years Wasted: Now Payback Time, My Ex!" apart is its compelling portrayal of human emotions entwined in a web of deceit and love gone awry. With a blend of romance and modern storytelling, CrushReel crafts a narrative that resonates with readers seeking depth and authenticity in their reading experience. Experience the gripping saga firsthand by reading "8 Years Wasted: Now Payback Time, My Ex!" available online at CrushReel. Explore a tale that transcends typical romance genres and immerses you in a world where betrayals lead to unexpected revelations.