Leaning back against his chair, Daniel looked at the envelope filled with money on his desk and then up to the man who had placed it there. From the looks of the envelope, he was sure it was enough to cover the loan. Of course, the payment could have been done in a more tasteful way, like a cheque but the envelope was a power play by Adams. Something the both of them were aware of. Frustration and anger bubbling in him, he gave Bryan a long, cold look.

"That was fast,"he remarked coldly, still not moving to open the envelope. It had been sitting there for fifteen minutes and Daniel was not going to touch it anytime in the future. Bryan just smirked at him, further fueling the anger and animosity.

"Was that ever in question?"

"Well, the fact that you allowed this debt to remain unpaid, one might get the idea that your pockets are a bit... tight,"Daniel taunted. He saw he'd hit a nerve when Bryan's eyes flared and lips tightened before he was able to control his expression. To twist the knife further, "I hear you're not performing so well with the new entrant. But, surely that's false if you're able to repay this debt so fast."

"I'm sorry but I can't stay, Adams. I have a plane to catch,"Bryan suddenly said, getting up. Daniel got up, too. Staying seated would have made him look weak and he could never appear weak with this man. Getting ready to see his enemy out, he paused when Bryan placed another envelope on his desk. "Ah, before I forget, this is the proof that I'm Kendall's father. It has been brought to my attention that you're showing interest in him and I don't want you to get the wrong idea. Women can be rather deceiving. Even those who appear innocent. Whatever Cassandra may have told you, please know that Kendall is mine. Why would've I kept him alive otherwise?" And with that, he left.

Daniel absently saw him close the door from his peripheral. His entire focus was on the envelope. It couldn't be true. Kendall looked too much like him for it to be true. The resemblance was too uncanny. No, that bastard was lying.

Then why was his hand reaching out to the envelope? Why was he lifting the flap and taking the papers out? And why were his eyes devouring every word on the waste of wood?

He blinked. And blinked again.

Those words couldn't be true. There had to be a mistake. But the words wouldn't change no matter how much he wanted them to.

It was conclusive. The DNA test proved that Bryan was Kendall's father.

Shaking his head, he moved to put the papers down when he realised that the document behind the test results were text messages between Cassandra and Bryan, her husband. Not even questioning why the couple had to communicate using text messages, he read them through and felt his blood boil even as something in him broke. Telling himself it was his trust, and not his heart, he felt his anger finally break through of the barricade he'd erected and raged through him.

It seemed that Cassandra and Bryan had schemed together to get back at him. From the messages, he could deduce that she was bitter over how he'd treated her six years ago. So bitter that she was willing to work with her hated husband.

Or had that been an act as well? Hoping to gain his sympathies by showing his oppression over her.

Regardless, he'd get it out of her later.

She was coming to see him just hours after her husband. What a coincidence.

--------@@@-------

Subterfuge really was not her thing,Cassandra told herself as she tried to stealthily make her way to Daniel's office. She hoped no one questioned her presence.

Of course, the office was practically empty since it was lunchtime. But her heart still pounded. It was already a hassle getting to this floor. Having had to go to a higher floor and sneak down via the stairwell. Even getting into the building had involved calling in a favour and a fake ID. She even had to wear her makeup differently as well as her entire outfit. Caking it on and contouring everything so that she would be practically unidentifiable.

And she did all this so as to secure Kendall's safety. Clutching the envelope tightly to her chest, her eyes continually darted everywhere. Refraining from the urge to pull down her impossibly tiny skirt, cursing the need to pander to the male species, she hoped Daniel was waiting.

Turning the corner, she finally sa his door. Rushing to it, she entered without even knocking. Resting her back on the door, her eyes arrowed to the man looking up from his computer. Ignoring his raised brows as well as his appraisal of her outfit, she walked sedately to him even as her heart pounded for another reason entirely.

Why did he have to look so hot and, yet, unattainable? Couldn't his blonde hair be messy instead of staying securely close to his head? On second thought, he'd look even hotter with messy hair. Alright, this was the better of the two evil. Still, she felt her face heat up, her nipples tightening ever so slightly, her panties dampening.

Why was her body reacting to him even though he looked at her like he would a bug under his feet? Did she have an unknown need to be subjugated? No, she couldn't have. She'd be secretly loving Bryan's attentions on her otherwise. His idea of romance was to pounce on her and having his way with her. Sometimes he'd try to make it enjoyable but, often, he just sought release and tossed her away, sneering as he did so. So, no, she was blessed to not have that fetish.

Then why was she reacting so strongly to him? Frustrated with herself, she released the deep breath she'd taken slowly. Placing the envelope on his desk next to a bulging envelope, she took a seat. And got on to the reason she was there.

"These are the papers I talked about. Wait, I didn't tell you about these when I messaged you. Ok. Alright. These are the documents you need to sign. It gives you 100% custody over Kendall. The paternity test hasn't been done yet but we'll just fill in the date later. I have a few samples of his DNA in the envelope. A swab of his saliva. Well, several swabs. We can't leave any stone unturned.Some hair. I've made sure to not contaminate them but if you need more, just let me know-"

"What are you talking about?"Daniel cut in, the extreme chill in his voice slicing through her nerves. Realising she'd been rambling and pacing about the office, Cassie stopped and berated herself internally but forced a calm facade externally.

"I'm giving you full custody of Kendall,"she told him, voicing each word out in a careful manner so as to not slide down that slope of nervousness. Just as she was about to present him with the papers, he stood up abruptly, leveling a glacial look on her. Which puzzled her. They had parted on amicable grounds at the park. So his sudden about turn was jarring.

"Why?"he asked as he moved to her side of the table. Not liking the danger she was sensing from him, Cassie kept him in sight, moving her body continually and retreating when he advanced towards her.

"What do you mean why? It's to keep him safe. As long as you don't use him as a pawn in this war you have against Bryan. Look, it's all there in the papers."

"And will you still be in Kendall's life after?"

"I-I would love to but if I think I'm jeopardising him, I'll cut myself out of his life. So you don't have to worry about his safety on my end. Daniel, is everything alright?"she asked hesitantly, not liking the predatory way he was approaching her.

Wanting to be out for his line of sight, she dove to the side but was stunned when he mirrored her and slammed her against the wall, using his arms on either sides of her head to cage her. Flattening her palms on his chest, she pushed him away. Or tried to. But he wasn't going anywhere.

"What are you doing? Let me go,"she demanded, scowling up at him. Being very much aware of the havoc his proximity was having on her girly hormones, she wanted to be out of the office as soon as possible. But from the ice cold rage flaring in his previously expressionless eyes, she knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

"You know what I think?"

"What?"she demanded belligerently.

"I think you're using my son as a way to get access into my life. I think you're the one using my son. I think you're the most convincing bitch I've ever met. If it weren't for Adams revealing your plan, I'm sure it would have worked,"he drawled, sliding his finger along the low neckline of her blouse. Ignoring the tingles his finger left on her skin, she slapped his hand away.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Suddenly, his hand slashed down and forced her blouse apart. Reflexively, she clutched her torn top together, looking at him in disbelief.

"What the hell?"

"You don't have to feign modesty, Cassandra. I know you're working with Adams to destroy me. Clearly, he's hoping you can sway me with your body. And, while I'll admit that I'm male enough to appreciate you, don't think it'll work,"he snarled.

"W-what? Working with Bryan? I'm only here to secure Kendall's safety. You just have to sign that shit and I'll leave,"she cried indignantly, shoving ineffectually at his chest. "Let me go, damn it."

"Since you're presented to me on silver platter, it'll be rude of me to not have a taste,"he purred, apparently not hearing her.

And he crushed his lips to hers.

AN: Hey guys. How do you like this update? The story is going to take a slightly dark turn in the next few chapters. Actually this story is darker than my other ones. Hope no one is turned off by this. :)

For update schedule, it'll be every week on SUNDAY. Same as the new AB. It'll give me Saturday to quickly get out a chapter. Haha.

Please VOTE & COMMENT to show your support.

THANKS!!