Chapter 4 A TANGLED WEB

Cassidy's meeting with Gabriel did not go as planned. She had hoped to keep things professional but the tension between them was high and impossible to ignore. "It's good to see you again," Gabriel said as they sat in the conference room facing each other across the big table. His voice was calm but his eyes had a lot to say about him having something deeper. Cassidy kept her expression neutral. "Let's get straight to the point. What does Shaw Enterprises bring to the table?" Gabriel leaned back in his chair still with a steady gaze on her. "More than just numbers, Cassidy.

We bring trust." Her lips twitched in a bitter smile. "Trust? That's rich, coming from you." He felt bad, but he didn't respond. Instead he passed a folder across the table for her. "I think you'll find everything you need here."

Cassidy took the folder, her fingers brushing his hands briefly and her heart skipped a beat, but she pushed the feeling aside. She wouldn't let him distract her. The proposal was impressive-detailed, strategic, and highly beneficial for her company. But no matter how good the numbers looked, partnering with Shaw Enterprises meant working closely with Gabriel, and that was a complication she didn't want. "The numbers are solid," she admitted grudgingly. "But I'll need time to review everything." Gabriel nodded. "Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm serious about this partnership- and not just for business reasons." Cassidy stiffened. "Keep your personal motives out of this, Gabriel. This is strictly professional." "If you say so," he said, his tone light but challenging.

Cassidy's thought remained disturbed even after the meeting ended. She wanted to believe that Gabriel's intentions were purely business, but deep down, she knew better, that he was trying to find his way back into her life, which she has already vowed that it is never happening. Cassidy sat in her office, later that afternoon reviewing the proposal. Every page reinforced what she already knew - the partnership made sense, but knowing that it was the right decision didn't make it any easier. A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Ethan walked in, his expression curious. "How'd it go with Shaw?" Cassidy sighed. "The proposal is solid. I can't find a reason to say no." Ethan grinned. "That's a good thing, right?" "You'd think so?" Cassidy asked. "But working with Gabriel is... complicated." Ethan's brow furrowed. "Do you want me to handle the negotiations?" Cassidy shook her head "No. This is my company. I need to handle it myself." Ethan nodded approvingly. "That's the Cassidy I know. You've got this." After Ethan left, Cassidy leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. She could not let Gabriel's presence distract her. She had built C.W. Atelier from the ground up and she wasn't about to let anyone derail her success - not even Gabriel Shaw.

Cassidy went back to back at her favorite rooftop bar that evening just to seek solace in the familiar view of the city skyline. The cool breeze gave her joy, giving her a brief solace from the chaos playing out in her mind. She sipped her drink lost in thought when a voice interrupted her peace. "Fancy seeing you here," Gabriel said taking the seat beside her without waiting for an invitation. Cassidy sighed. "Do you ever take a hint?" He chuckled softly. "Not when it comes to you." She rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Gabriel?" "To talk," he said simply. "Off the record." Cassidy hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine. Talk." Gabriel took a deep breath. "I know I messed up, Cassidy, and I know I made choices that hurt you. it one thing I'll that regret for the rest of my life. I'm not just here to ask for forgiveness, Cass. I'm here because I believe in this partnership and because I believe in you." Cassidy's face lifted in awe, surprised by Gabriel's utterances. She wanted to dismiss his words and to tell him they meant nothing, but a part of her couldn't ignore the sincerity she heard his voice. "

This isn't about us, Gabriel," she frankly said. "This is about business, and i want us to keep it at that." "I know," Gabriel said. "But that doesn't mean we can't find a way to move forward - both professionally and personally.". As Cassidy heard this, she shook her head in disagreement. "I'm not interested in revisiting the past, Gabriel. I've moved on, so you move on too." He nodded slowly. "Fair enough, But just so you know, I'm not giving up that easily." Cassidy looked at him but her face showed that Gabriel's words didn't shake her. "Do whatever you want, Gabriel. Just stay out of my way." As she stood to leave, Gabriel's voice stopped her. "Cassidy?" She turned, her expression guarded. "For what it's worth, I'm proud of you," he said calmly. "You have built something incredible." Cassidy's was surprised at the unexpected compliment but she refused to let it show. "Goodnight, Gabriel," she said and then walked away. Cassidy replayed the conversation with Gabriel in her mind when she got back to her apartment. Gabriel's words had triggered back the emotions she thought she had buried long ago.