Chapter 393

Cassandra Blackwood spent three hours getting ready.

Every strand of hair was perfectly curled. Her designer dress hugged her figure flawlessly. She wanted to make an unforgettable impression on Isabella Laurent.

The moment she stepped into the presidential suite of the Blackwood Hotel, Cassandra lifted her chin confidently.

Isabella barely glanced up from her tea.

The international superstar's expression was icy. Her manicured fingers tapped impatiently against the porcelain cup.

Cassandra's smile faltered.

"Ms. Laurent," she began sweetly, "I was devastated to hear about your troubles with Monarch Grand Hotels. Their breach of contract was utterly unprofessional."

Isabella's lips curled.

Cassandra continued, oblivious. "Such behavior deserves industry-wide condemnation. Had you chosen our hotel initially—"

"Are you suggesting I lack judgment?" Isabella interrupted.

Cassandra's face paled.

Isabella set down her cup with a sharp clink. "Canceling with Monarch doesn't make Blackwood my only option. Evelyn Carter is an exceptional manager. There may be... mitigating circumstances."

Cassandra's nails dug into her palms.

Why was this woman defending Evelyn?

"Your wedding is imminent," Cassandra pressed, forcing composure. "We can prepare everything within your timeline. Our resources far surpass—"

"I'll consider Blackwood," Isabella said coolly. "On one condition."

Cassandra leaned forward eagerly.

"Nathan Blackwood personally oversees every detail." Isabella's eyes glinted. "I trust no one else."

The dismissal in her tone was unmistakable.

Cassandra stormed out, humiliation burning her cheeks.

That arrogant actress! How dare she demand Nathan's involvement?

Her phone trembled in her grip as she dialed Penelope.

"Mother! That washed-up star treated me like dirt!"

Penelope's voice turned venomous. "How dare she disrespect a Blackwood? Go to your father. Leonard will make that bastard son of his comply."

Within the hour, Cassandra was sobbing in Leonard's office.

"You're too sheltered, my dear." Leonard sighed, patting her shoulder. "The business world is ruthless. Consider this a lesson."

His words offered no comfort.

Cassandra's tears fell harder.

Why did everyone keep failing her? First Evelyn, now Isabella Laurent.

She'd make them regret it.

Especially that smug actress who dared to ask for Nathan.

The thought alone made her blood boil.