With her fingertips tapping the cool marble surface, Lily sat at her kitchen table. She kept thinking about what Cassandra had said earlier: Lily, this isn't simply a trivial matter. This has nothing to do with you; there are larger issues at work.
She didn't believe it. Cassandra was attempting to control her by frightening her into leaving. However, Lily was no longer readily frightened. Cassandra's cryptic warnings, if anything, strengthened her resolve. She would discover the precise meaning of Cassandra's reference to "bigger things."
Lily took out her laptop and started looking. Daniel was the first. She entered his name into the browser and then "affairs" and "business scandals." Her husband had always been an astute businessman who relentlessly worked his way up the corporate ladder. Had he, however, taken any shortcuts? Enemies?
The outcome was incredibly clean. The charismatic and successful CEO, Daniel Harper, looked perfect. There were no rumors of scandal or corruption, no indications of the darker side Cassandra had alluded to. If Daniel's closet contained any skeletons, they were hidden far away.
Angry, Lily leaned back. Her eyes strayed to the phone resting on the table. Ethan Blake was the only one who might know the answers.
She hesitated, remembering his calm warning and his piercing blue gaze. He knew more than he had admitted, but she detested the idea of bringing him into it.
Lily called him before she had time to second-guess herself. Before Ethan's confident, silky voice could be heard over the line, it rang twice.
"Well, this is a surprise," he added in an inquisitive tone.
"I must speak with you," Lily stated plainly.
Ethan gave a little laugh. "Is Cassandra involved?"
"It's about everything," she said firmly in response. "Ethan, I want the truth. No more games or cryptic warnings. Are you able to meet me?
Lily could almost hear him considering his options during the lull on the other end. At last, he said, "All right. 8 p.m. at The Blue Orchid Bar.
In contrast to the busy galleries and social gatherings Lily had become used to, the Blue Orchid was quiet and darkly lit. She noticed Ethan holding a whiskey drink in a quiet booth close to the rear.
As she drew closer, he raised his head, his eyes unblinking. He said, "Lily," and motioned for her to take a seat.
She folded her arms across her chest and slid onto the seat opposite him. "Ethan, I'm not here to make small talk. I'm curious about Cassandra's meaning. What is happening?
Ethan's countenance was thoughtful as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. "Lily, you're stepping into a realm you don't quite comprehend. Do you really want to know what the truth is?
Lily lost her tolerance. "Ethan, stop being so theatrical! Tell me what's happening, please.
Ethan leaned closer and spoke in a deep, passionate voice. "Lily, Cassandra is more than simply a mistress. She has strong ties to an unimaginable universe. If you're not careful, powerful people and risky transactions could ruin you.
Lily didn't flinch even though her stomach churned. "What sort of transactions? Unlawful? Criminal?
A thin line formed between Ethan's lips. To put it mildly, Cassandra has a way of associating with men who are like Daniel—wealthy, driven, and prepared to take shortcuts. Lily, she's not in it for love. She wants to gain leverage. Additionally, she doesn't simply leave after finishing them.
Lily felt her heart thumping in her chest. "What is she doing?"
Ethan paused, his eyes meeting hers. "She ruins them."
His remarks were like a kick to Lily's stomach. Was Daniel merely one more piece in Cassandra's scheme? What was Cassandra's ultimate goal, if any?
"Why are you stating this to me?" With a quivering voice, Lily inquired.
A glimpse of something vulnerable appeared on Ethan's face as his expression relaxed. "Because you're different from them." You are not worthy of being used as collateral in their games.
Something unsaid between them caused the tension between them to temporarily change. However, Lily immediately ignored it and concentrated on the greater picture.
Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she questioned, "So what do I do?"
With his eyes shaded, Ethan leaned back. "I would leave if I were you. Get away from Daniel. Stay out of it and let Cassandra complete whatever game she's playing.
Lily shook her head, feeling enraged. "I can't simply leave. Ethan, this is my life. My union. I refuse to let her prevail.
Ethan's jaw tensed as he sighed. "So you have to be clever about it. Cassandra is victorious. Additionally, those with whom she is associated will not think twice about destroying anyone who stands in their path.
Lily's determination hardened as she gazed at him. No matter how deadly Cassandra and her allies were, she didn't care. Without a struggle, she refused to let them destroy her life.
She stood up and said, "Thank you for the warning, Ethan." "But I'm not going to back down."
Ethan was standing too, his face inscrutable. "Lily, you're more courageous than I realized. Just be sure that bravery doesn't translate into recklessness.
Lily felt a rush of resolve as she walked out of the bar, the night air cooling against her skin. Although she was unsure of her specific challenges, she was certain that she would not let Cassandra or anybody else control her life.
The battle has only barely begun.