Chapter 28
Anastasia felt some of her anxiety ease from Lancey’s infectious warmth.
Following her into the living room, she immediately noticed two distinguished gentlemen seated on the elegant sofa.
One was Cassian’s father, Richard Rhodes–a commanding presence in his perfectly tailored navy suit. His expression was serious but not unwelcoming as he studied her with sharp, assessing eyes.
The other was Cassian’s grandfather, Ian Rhodes, a silver–haired patriarch whose advanced age couldn’t diminish his obvious vitality. His eyes sparkled with kindness as he smiled warmly at her.
Cassian stepped forward respectfully. “Dad, Grandfather, this is Anastasia, my wife.”
Anastasia moved closer, offering a graceful nod. “Mr. Rhodes, it’s wonderful to meet you both. I’m
Anastasia.”
She presented the carefully chosen gifts she’d brought–premium Scottish whiskey for the men and elegant silk scarves for Lancey.
Their approving smiles indicated she’d chosen well.
Good–this girl understood proper etiquette.
Ian’s voice was measured and authoritative. “Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable.”
Grandfather Rhodes beckoned her closer with twinkling eyes. “Come here, dear. Let me get a proper look at you.”
Anastasia approached him obediently.
After studying her thoughtfully, the old man nodded with obvious satisfaction. “Excellent choice,
Cass. You’ve got good taste.”
He reached into his jacket and withdrew an elegant velvet jewelry box. “My dear, this is a little welcome gift. I hope you’ll like it.”
Anastasia opened the box carefully and gasped. Inside was a stunning emerald and diamond tennis
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Chapter 28
bracelet that looked like it belonged in a museum.
Having worked in jewelry design, she could immediately tell this piece was worth
millions–probably an antique from a famous house like Cartier or Van Cleef.
“Sir, this is absolutely gorgeous, but I couldn’t possibly accept something so valuable,” she protested
genuinely.
Everyone exchanged pleased glances. This girl had character–not grasping or materialistic despite
clearly recognizing the bracelet’s worth.
“Nonsense, dear. Once I give a gift, it’s given. This is just a small token of my affection,” Grandfather Rhodes insisted warmly.
Cassian moved closer, his voice gentle but firm. “Ana, please accept it. Grandfather chose it especially for you.”
Then Ian and Lancey produced their own welcome gifts.
A stunning pearl necklace from Lancey, keys to a new Mercedes from Ian, and–most shocking of all–deeds to a penthouse apartment in SoHo.
The pile of gifts in front of Anastasia was overwhelming.
This was absolutely insane. These weren’t gifts–they were investments.
Her hands actually trembled holding the property deeds.
he couldn’t help remembering her first meeting with Megan Hale, who’d looked her up and down with obvious disdain and given her exactly nothing except attitude.
“This is… this is incredibly generous, but it’s far too much…” Anastasia’s voice caught with emotion.
What had started as a marriage of convenience was beginning to feel like she’d won the family lottery.
Cassian moved to her side, gently taking the papers from her shaking hands and placing them on the coffee table.
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Chapter 28
“When my family gives gifts, they’re given with love. You don’t need to feel guilty about accepting
them–we’re your family now too.”
Looking up at him, Anastasia felt her eyes misting with unexpected tears.
“But these things are worth more than most people make in a lifetime. I can’t…”
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