Page 61 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“Yes, everything’s fine,” she lied smoothly, forcing herself to smile. “You’ve got everything under control?”

“Of course,” Manfred said confidently. “Everything’s going great. Relax.”

She managed a nod, backing away just as Kris stepped into the kitchen, concern darkening his face. She felt a sudden ache of tenderness for this man—this incredible man who’d shown her the meaning of true love, of trust. His eyes searched hers deeply, clearly troubled, yet he said nothing.

Protecting her. Kris was willing to sacrifice his family’s dream to shield her from Dante’s manipulations. Love swelled in her chest, fierce and certain, sharpening her resolve.

She would protect Kris—and this restaurant—in return.

Cassia straightened her shoulders and grabbed the plates designated for Dante’s table. With every confident step forward, her heartbeat steadied. She wore a serene smile on her face, mirroring the one she had perfected during countless dinners with Dante, back when she’d thought he was her future.

“Cassia,” Dante said, voice silken and overly familiar as she placed the dishes down on the table. His eyes drifted lazily down her body, shamelessly possessive. “It’s wonderful to see you. Perhaps we can talk properly later?”

She let her smile widen. “It would be good to catch up.”

He leaned back, smug satisfaction written all over his face. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Without another word, she walked away, feeling his gaze trailing her as she headed deliberately toward the cloakroom. She knew Dante wouldn’t resist the bait for long.

Sure enough, seconds later, footsteps followed behind her, echoing softly across the polished wooden floor. Cassia paused, pretending to adjust the menus stacked neatly beside the coats.

“What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” Dante drawled, approaching her with the practiced swagger she once found charming. Now it only filled her with disgust.

Cassia turned slowly, eyes cool and calm. “Working,” she replied evenly. “Building a life.”

Dante laughed condescendingly, shaking his head with mock pity. “This isn’t a life, Cassia. You’re living in the back of beyond. You belong with me—in the city, where real things happen.”

She lifted her chin defiantly. “I’m happy here. Truly happy for the first time in my life.”

A shadow passed over Dante’s handsome features, and his eyes darkened dangerously. “We were happy.”

Cassia shook her head. “Not like this.”

He stepped forward, his voice lowering possessively. “Youbelongwithme, Cassia. Not here.”

“You’re wrong,” she whispered, her voice unwavering.

Dante sneered, leaning in so close she could feel his breath on her cheek. “You don’t know what’s good for you. That’s why I’m here. Watching out for you. You’re lucky you have me.”

Cassia snorted sharply, her anger surging again. “You’re so full of shit.”

“Really?” Dante’s eyes glinted cruelly. “Then why is your new boyfriend ready to give you up to save this pathetic little place?”

“Save this place?” she repeated, feigning confusion, while such anger filled her, she could barely contain it.

“Yes,” Dante hissed, his tone dripping poison. “I told him if he wants the restaurant to survive, he’ll dump you. And guess what? He agreed.”

Cassia shook her head slowly, her breath coming in shallow, furious gasps. “He would never do that!”

Dante’s confidence was unshakeable. “Oh, but he did, Cassia. Poor you. All this work, all this passion wasted. It’s such a pity, really. This place has…potential.”

“You’d really lie about the restaurant just for your own ego?” she asked, fighting to keep her voice even.

He reached out suddenly, cupping her cheek in his palm. It took everything she had not to slap his smug face. “Cassia, people believe what they want to believe. And, darling, they believe me.” He leaned in even closer, his voice an icy whisper. “I’m God in the culinary world—and God wants you back. By my side, where you belong.”

She jerked her face away, eyes blazing. “I don’t think so.”

With that, she spun around, forcing herself to walk calmly from the cloakroom. Her entire body was shaking, adrenaline making her pulse pound painfully. She collided with a solid chest, strong arms instantly wrapping around her.

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