Chapter 247

Cassie turned her gaze back to the view ahead, her curiosity now mixed with something deeper-something uncertain, as if she was about to step into a part of Ashton’s world he had never allowed her to see before.

She didn’t have to wait long before the structure revealed itself in the distance.

The Pierce residence. Ashton’s home.

It wasn’t as overwhelmingly grand as Madame Carina’s mansion, yet something about it felt… different.

“We’re here,” Ashton said, a quiet smile forming as his gaze lingered on the house.

Cassie turned to him. For a fleeting moment, he looked… lighter. The sharp, untouchable edge he carried seemed to soften, replaced by something almost gentle. Familiar. Human. Radiant, even.

“I can’t wait to meet your parents,” she said, a small smile playing on her lips as he stepped out and came around to open her door. 1