The next day after Cassidy has investigated Claudia's routine and coupled with the fact that she knew her well in her past life,she decided to visit the bar Claudia normally parties with her friends. Claudia had called her out in her past and made people know that she is part of a syndicate and that she had killed many people which made people distance themselves from her but she had a plan up her sleeves now and she wants to humiliate a ridicule Claudia in the worst way possible because to deal with a family one has to go through the kins first.
"What is a fine young lady like you doing alone and drinking alone,do you want me to keep you company,I know the owner of this establishment and can make here very fun and exciting for you " Robert said as he approached Cassidy. Robert Hales is one of the guys that follow Claudia like headless flies,he is even willing to kill anyone for her because he sees her as his goddess,he has always had a crush on Claudia.
"No I don't want any fun with anyone,I just want to unwind on my own and go back to my house"Cassidy said gulping her chapman without even bothering to spare Robert another glance,she was just about to drop her glass when Claudia approached them with her friends Nelly and Tessy,they are identical twins whose father is the senate, Nelly is the extrovert while Tessy is the introvert but together they are quite dangerous and are Claudia's besties
"Robert doesn't offer drinks to just anyone, I've not seen you around here so I assume that you don't know the rules but in here Robert makes the rules so just do anything he asks you to do before it becomes something you can't handle"Nelly said as she smiled without her eyes,she gave Cassidy a sinister look,like some wife fighting a mistress for her cheating husband, Nelly has always had a crush on Robert and she is just jealous because Robert was talking to an extremely beautiful lady who is even more beautiful than Claudia
"You don't have to worry about that because I was just about to leave"Cassidy interjected as she pulled out her black card to pay for her drink
Claudia who knows how to read a room and observe things was immediately drawn to the card and immediately took a second look at Cassidy,she discovered that although her clothes were low-key they were from a luxury brand that made only custom made dresses for high profile individuals,she had tried to get a dress from the brand for a party but was rejected but seeing a girl she didn't know wearing the dress on a random Tuesday night in a bar ticked off something in her already twisted brain. Cassidy can almost understand what was going on in Claudia's mind and she deliberately wore the dress because in her past life she knew how much wanted the dress and how she had pulled some strings to make sure that Claudia got the clothes because she is the designer of Viólá(the luxury clothing brand) that Claudia was dying to have but since life had given her a second chance she will do everything to jeopardize Claudia
"We should really leave the lady alone,since she said that she is already leaving we should just go on and continue our party,I think she doesn't believe that Robert is a powerful figure after all" Claudia said seemingly dismissing the whole thing but indirectly egging Robert on and making him to believe that Cassidy was looking down on him
Robert, a man whose ego was as oversized as his tailored suit, puffed out his chest. "Now, now, Claudia. I think the lady and I can come to an understanding. Perhaps she'd like to reconsider her hasty departure?" He took a step towards Cassidy, a predatory glint in his eyes.
Cassidy met his gaze, her expression carefully neutral. "I assure you, I have no interest in reconsidering anything." She subtly adjusted the sleeve of her dress, the fabric a whisper against her skin. It was a custom-made piece from Viólá, a brand Claudia coveted. A fact that was not lost on Cassidy.
Claudia's lips curved into a tight smile. "You know, Robert, some people just don't appreciate the finer things. Maybe she's not used to being around… well, people of influence." The words were dripping with condescension.
"I appreciate fine things," Cassidy countered, her voice calm. "I simply choose to spend my time and money on things that interest me."
Robert chuckled, a sound that grated on Cassidy's nerves. "And what interests you, my dear? Besides, of course, being rude to a gentleman."
"I find genuine experiences far more valuable than fleeting displays of power or wealth," Cassidy replied, her gaze flicking to Claudia. She knew exactly what was going on in Claudia's head, the simmering resentment, the envy, the burning desire.
Claudia's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, and Cassidy almost smiled. Almost.
"Oh, I'm sure you do," Claudia purred, recovering quickly. "But sometimes, darling, those genuine experiences require a certain… foundation." She gestured around the bar, encompassing the low lighting, the worn furniture, and the general air of seediness. "Perhaps you're not in the right environment to find them."
"Perhaps," Cassidy agreed, her voice laced with amusement. "But I find I can create my own environment, wherever I am." She subtly shifted, preparing to leave.
Robert, however, was not ready to let her go. "Wait just a moment," he said, his voice taking on a harder edge. "I'm not accustomed to being dismissed so easily." He took another step, effectively blocking her path.
Cassidy sighed inwardly. This was precisely the kind of tedious encounter she had hoped to avoid. "I'm not dismissing you, sir. I'm simply choosing to leave. If you have nothing further to say, I'll be on my way."
Claudia's eyes gleamed. "Now, Robert, don't you think you're being a little… persistent? She clearly doesn't want to talk."
Robert ignored her, his focus entirely on Cassidy. "I think you're hiding something. Something you don't want me to see."
Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you say that?"
"Nothing actually but the dress," Robert said, his gaze sweeping over her. "It's… unusual. Not the kind of thing one wears to a place like this."Robert had already seen her dress from a distance and have already known about it because he wanted to use his connections to acquire one for Claudia so that he could win her over but the company didn't acknowledge him so seeing the dress worn by a lady to a bar really piqued his interest that was why he approached Cassidy
Cassidy shrugged. "Perhaps I have a different definition of 'unusual' than you do."
Claudia stepped forward, her voice taking on a syrupy sweetness. "Let's be honest, darling. That dress is exquisite. And it's not exactly the kind of thing one simply… finds." She paused, letting the implication hang in the air.
Cassidy knew where this was going. "Are you suggesting I stole it?"
"Oh, no, of course not," Claudia said quickly, but her eyes betrayed her. "I'm simply curious. Where did you acquire such a… unique piece?"
Cassidy took a deep breath. "It's a custom design."
Claudia's eyes widened almost imperceptibly. "Really? How fascinating. I've always admired Viólá's work. Such exquisite craftsmanship. I've tried to get a dress from them myself, but…"