Chapter 19 Cassian's driver had the car waiting at the museum's entrance , its sleek silhouette exuding understated luxury against the Manhattan skyline . Cassian held the door open for Anastasia like the gentleman he was , waiting until she was settled before sliding in beside her . The car pulled smoothly away from the chaos they'd left behind . Anastasia leaned back against the leather seat , watching the city lights blur past her window in streams of gold and white . Sensing her mood , Cassian's voice was reassuring . " Don't overthink what happened tonight . I've got you covered . " Anastasia turned from the window , forcing a small smile . " I'm okay . Just tired , I guess . " Cassian's expression darkened slightly . " About what happened at the gala - I'll handle it . No one puts their hands on you without consequences . " He immediately called his assistant . " Phillips , I need you to pull security footage from tonight's Met Gala . Focus on the reflecting pool incident around nine - thirty . " Anastasia blinked in surprise . She hadn't expected him to take such immediate action . His protective instincts were actually pretty touching . Plus , throwing that wine in Valeria's face had felt pretty satisfying already . Warmth spread through her chest at feeling genuinely protected for the first time in years . Back at the gala , the remaining guests were getting restless . 16:49 Dumped Today , Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 12.99 % Chapter 19 Most people had come specifically hoping to network with Cassian Rhodes . They kept glancing toward the entrance , not wanting to miss their golden opportunity . Jasper had originally planned to take Valeria to the hospital , but remembering his father's instructions about tonight's importance , he'd sent his assistant with her instead . He stayed behind , determined not to miss his chance . Standing in the corner with a champagne flute , Jasper kept checking his watch and scanning the crowd . His mood was souring by the minute . He'd been counting on tonight to finally get face time with Rhodes , but the man was nowhere to be found . " Maybe the intel was wrong ? " he muttered under his breath . Other guests were starting to gossip . " Didn't someone say Rhodes had already arrived ? Where the hell is he ? " " I heard he was spotted earlier , but then he left with some woman . " " A woman ? No way . Rhodes never brings dates to these things . " By midnight , it was clear Cassian wasn't showing up . Jasper drove home frustrated and empty - handed . He'd planned to check on Valeria at the hospital , but his father had summoned him home immediately . When Jasper walked into the Hale mansion , every light was blazing . His parents were waiting in the formal living room , looking like they were about to conduct an intervention . " Mom , Dad , why are you still up ? " 16:49 Dumped Today , Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 13.09 Chapter 19 " Jasper , have you completely lost your mind ? " his father exploded . " You brought two women to a business gala ? They had a public catfight , and now the Hale family is the laughingstock of Manhattan society ! " He'd thought his son had finally matured over the past few years . Apparently , he'd been wrong . There were appropriate venues for personal drama , and elite charity galas weren't one of them . " Dad , it was Ana who lost control . She pushed Valeria into the pool , " Jasper protested weakly . " Shut up ! Stop making excuses for your poor judgment , " his father snapped . " Now honey , don't be too hard on him , " Megan intervened smoothly . " Valeria is a sweet girl from a good family . It's that Anastasia who caused all the trouble . At least they're finally breaking up . " That mollified her husband somewhat . " Fine . But tell me you at least accomplished something tonight . Did you meet with Rhodes ? " " He never showed up , " Jasper admitted reluctantly . " Must have had other commitments . " " Damn it . Well , we'll have to wait for the next opportunity . " Jasper nodded and escaped to his room , his mind churning . Everything seemed to be spiraling out of his control . Anastasia was clearly serious about leaving this time . Fine . Let her go struggle in the real world without him . When reality hit , she'd come crawling back . She was too obsessed with him to stay away permanently . Jasper's confidence remained unshaken . The next morning , Anastasia emerged from the master bathroom to find the dining table set with an impressive breakfast spread . 16:49 Dumped Today , Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 13.1 Chapter 19 Cassian looked up with a smile . " Perfect timing . Come eat . " As she sat down , Anastasia marveled at his capabilities . Seriously , what couldn't this man do ? The rumors about him being cold and ruthless seemed increasingly ridiculous . Were they even talking about the same person ? Cassian pushed a warm glass of milk toward her . " Drink this first . It'll help settle your stomach . " The gesture was so considerate it made her chest tight with unexpected emotion . " How are you up this early ? " she asked , taking a grateful sip . " I'm an early riser , " he said casually , not mentioning he'd gotten up specifically to cook for her . Looking at the elaborate spread - eggs Benedict , crispy bacon , fresh fruit , and her favorite blueberry pancakes - Anastasia shook her head in amazement . " Seriously , is there anything you can't do ? You're like a walking Pinterest board . " Cassian's mouth quirked up . " Are you complaining about having a multi - talented husband ? " Anastasia blushed , taking a bite of pancake . " Definitely not complaining . " The contrast with Jasper was stark . In three years together , he'd never made her so much as toast . After breakfast , Cassian offered to drive her to work . " Drop me at the corner , " Anastasia requested . " That car is a little … conspicuous . " The custom Maybach with its distinctive license plates would definitely attract attention . When they stopped , Cassian caught her hand . " Call me if you need anything . Anything at all . " " I will . Drive safe , " she said softly before heading toward the J & A building . She thought she'd been careful , but someone had been watching . 16:49 Dumped To Chapter 19 Valeria stood near the building entrance , her arm in a dramatic sling from her " pool incident . " She'd spotted Anastasia getting out of the luxury vehicle and immediately recognized an opportunity . A slow , predatory smile spread across her face . So Anastasia had found herself a sugar daddy ? That explained her recent attitude . This had to be the mystery " husband " from yesterday's phone call . What a cunning little slut - already moving on to her next meal ticket . Valeria quickly snapped photos with her phone , though she was too far away to capture the license plate clearly . She couldn't wait to show Jasper these pictures . Let him see what kind of woman he'd been defending - a gold - digging whore who was already lining up her next victim . This was going to be fun . ( 9 ) 16:49