Cassian

📍 OPENING SCENE: The dinner that was never served

Location: Volkov Mansion — Main Dining Room. 8:47 PM Ambience: Silence. Only the sound of the antique clock on the mantelpiece.

Cassian still hadn't emerged from his private office, and Hanna had been waiting for over an hour, dinner laid out, plates covered, wine simmering in her glass. Standing by the table, she smoothed her dress for the fifth time. Her reflection in the bay window barely held up. She'd smiled too much at lunch with the investors. Cassian noticed. He always does. The oak door creaked and opened.

"And now you're dressing like this for my partners?" Cassian's voice was soft, too soft. He closed the door behind him with a click that sounded like a gunshot.

He approached unhurriedly, his jacket still on, his tie still knotted. His gray eyes held no anger...only a dangerous ice.

—Did you think I wouldn't notice? Your laugh. The way you lean forward when you talk. That doll-like smile you give as if you belonged to anyone.

He stopped in front of her, invading her personal space. The scent of perfume and tension enveloped her.

—Tell me, Hanna... am I getting paranoid, or are you forgetting who you belong to?