Chapter 23 Cassian turned to study Anastasia's pale face , his brow creasing with immediate concern . Sensing something was seriously wrong , his voice dropped to that protective register that made her heart skip . " What happened back there ? " Anastasia shook her head . " Nothing serious . Just family drama . " Instead of pushing for details , Cassian reached over and intertwined their fingers , his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm . The intimate gesture sent warmth shooting straight to her core . " You know you can tell me anything , right ? " His voice was low and reassuring , making her feel safer than she had in years . Looking into his intense gaze , Anastasia felt her walls crumbling . " I know . Those toxic assholes are in my rearview mirror now . " Cassian understood immediately - her father and his replacement family were clearly the " toxic assholes . " " Good . They don't deserve another second of your thoughts . " He lifted their joined hands and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles . " Let me take you somewhere that'll make you forget all about them . " The unexpected tenderness of the gesture made Anastasia's breath catch . " I'd like that . " Suddenly , an SUV swerved into their lane without warning . Their driver slammed the brakes , sending Anastasia flying forward . She gasped in shock as strong arms immediately wrapped around her , pulling her against Cassian's solid chest . The car's ambient lighting cast everything in an intimate glow , highlighting the sharp angles of his ace as he looked down at her with concern . Anastasia's face went bright red as she realized how intimately they were positioned . 16:50 Dumnad Today Married Tomorrow ! Mu Quernight Wedding to a Discon 1574 Chapter 23 Her heart was absolutely racing - not from the near - accident , but from being pressed against his warm , muscular body . She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her palm , inhale his intoxicating scent , and see every detail of his perfect features from this close . Cassian's eyes darkened as he studied her flushed face , his hands still steady at her waist . " You hurt ? " His voice was rougher than usual , and she noticed his pulse had quickened too . " I'm … no , I'm fine , " she whispered , making no move to pull away despite her embarrassment . For a moment , they just stared at each other , the air between them crackling with unspoken tension . Cassian's gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes . " You sure ? " The way he was looking at her made her feel like she might spontaneously combust . " Yeah , I'm sure . ' When she finally pulled back , it was reluctantly , and she noticed he seemed equally reluctant to let her go . The driver was apologizing profusely . " Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes , I'm so sorry ! That idiot came out of nowhere- " ' Don't worry about it , " Cassian said smoothly , though his eyes remained fixed on Anastasia . " Just get is there safely . " The next morning , Anastasia walked into J & A to find Jasper lurking by her office . She expected to see the signed buyout papers in his hands , but they were conspicuously empty . Jasper , if those contracts aren't signed by end of day , I'm selling my shares to Cartier . I'm sure hey'd love to poach some of your top designs . " Her tone was pure business ice . She wanted this over with - every minute of connection to him felt toxic . ' lus , she'd promised Cassian that once this was resolved , she'd officially meet his family . 16:50 Duinned Today Married Tomorrow : My Dvernight Wedding to a Turoon . 15.9 Chapter 23 Jasper's jaw tightened . " I'll sign , but there's one final client dinner tonight . Marco Parker specifically asked for you to handle the account . " Anastasia's eyes narrowed . " Your word ? ". " You have it , " he ground out . " Fine . One last performance , then we're done forever . " Her contempt was unmistakable . Jasper could barely contain his rage . He'd lost her completely , and it was eating him alive . The old Anastasia would've done anything to please him , forgiven any betrayal . This new version was like dealing with a completely different person . Fine . If he couldn't keep her , he'd at least make her final assignment as unpleasant as possible . Marco Parker was notorious for being a sleazy predator . None of their other designers would go near him . Throwing Anastasia to that particular wolf seemed like poetic justice . After work , Anastasia texted Cassian about the business obligation . Rather than sit home alone , Cassian decided to grab drinks with his old friend Yinsen Hunter and a few other guys . Leaving the office , Anastasia was joined by a colleague - and unexpectedly , Valeria . ' I'm coming to this dinner too , " Valeria announced like she had any authority . Anastasia's expression darkened . " Since when do you handle client relations ? " ' I'm supervising , " Valeria replied with fake importance . " Marco Parker is a major account - we can't afford any screw - ups . " 11 She'd volunteered specifically to watch Anastasia squirm . Parker was famously handsy with attractive women . This would be entertaining . 16:50 Dumped Today . Married Tomorrow : My Overnight Wedding to a Tycoon 16.0 Chapter 23 Anastasia ignored the parasite and headed for the car . At the upscale restaurant's private dining room , Anastasia had just finished ordering when Marco Parker arrived with his assistant . " Mr. Parker , Anastasia Kingsley from J & A . " She extended her hand professionally . Parker's eyes immediately raked over her body before taking her hand - and holding it way too long while his thumb traced her palm . " Ms. Kingsley , the pleasure is definitely all mine . " Her skin crawled , but his expression seemed innocuous enough . Maybe she was being paranoid . Once seated , the waitstaff began serving their courses efficiently . Anastasia pulled out the contract to begin negotiations . Parker waved her off with a lecherous smile . " Business can wait , sweetheart . Let's get properly acquainted first . " He immediately filled her wine glass to the brim . Not wanting to torpedo the deal , Anastasia reluctantly took a sip . " That's what I like - a woman who knows how to have fun ! " Parker's commentary was peppered with " accidental " touches that made her want to shower . " Brains , beauty , and a body that could stop traffic . You're quite the package , Ms. Kingsley . " Anastasia subtly moved away from his wandering hands . His increasingly predatory behavior was making her nauseous . Now she understood exactly why Jasper had stuck her with this account . The bastard had fed her to a wolf . 16:50 Dumped Today Married Tomorrow My Overnight Wedding to a Tecnon 16.19 Chapter 23 " Mr. Parker , perhaps we could review the contract details ? " she tried redirecting . " All in good time , gorgeous , " Parker deflected with a sleazy grin . Meanwhile , Valeria excused herself to " coordinate with the kitchen staff . " Since Anastasia wanted to act all pure and innocent , she'd give Parker a little pharmaceutical assistance . Soon everyone would see what kind of slut Anastasia really was underneath that classy facade . ( 5 )