CHAPTER 164: LET THE GAME BEGIN
Cassandra, on her part, started warming up to John when she realized she might have misjudged him too quickly. His calm charm, easy banter, and effortless way of defusing tension began to win her over. She even had the grace to laugh with Belle during the dinner, which was rare. John, it seemed, was really a force to reckon with.
But just before the dinner ended, John dropped a bomb on the two women.
"Cassandra," he said smoothly, eyes sharp but lips smiling, "what if I help you get James back?"
The water Belle was drinking splashed out of her mouth in shock, making her cough violently. Cassandra, mid-bite, choked on her food.
John leaned over quickly to help Cassandra, offering her a glass of water and rubbing her back gently. Belle watched the scene with burning eyes, so jealous she nearly choked on her own bile.
When Cassandra had calmed down, she turned to John sharply. "How the hell do you even know about me and James?"
"I'm sorry," John replied coolly. "But Belle told me everything."
Cassandra gave Belle a slow, bombastic side-eye without saying a word. Belle, in turn, bent her head in shame.
"Okay, don't crucify the messenger," John added, trying to ease the tension. "She only said it so I could help. Right, babe?"
"Yes, of course!" Belle nodded quickly, forcing a sweet smile. "You know you're my very good friend, Casy. I've seen how miserable you've been without James. So I got someone who could help you. I'm really sorry I spilled, but… we're only trying to help. It's alright if you don't want it."
Cassandra let out a dry laugh that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Are you kidding me, Belle? Of course I want your help. Who knew you could actually be this thoughtful."
No one pointed out the shade in her voice, even though it was as clear as daylight. Everyone felt it. Belle especially. It made her grind her teeth even harder.
I hate this witch so much, Belle thought. There's no way I'm letting her get James again. Not this time. I'll ruin every single one of her chances.
"So, how exactly do we do this?" Cassandra asked, turning to John with renewed curiosity.
"It's very simple," John responded with a charming smirk. "I have plans to sabotage Diana and I just want you to be a part of it."
That was all it took. Throughout the rest of the dinner, the three of them bonded over the destruction of one woman.
Belle promised herself she'd find a way to get James back once Diana was out of the picture. Cassandra was more desperate than ever to reclaim him. And John? John sat there secretly amused, laughing inside at the foolishness of the two women. They were even more gullible than he had imagined.
After dropping Belle off, John pulled out his phone and called James.
James picked on the first ring.
"Give me some good news, John."
John chuckled. "You're gonna love this, boss."
He went on to debrief James about everything that had happened, including the fake promise he made to help Cassandra get James back.
"The seed has been planted and watered," John concluded. "Now we just wait for it to grow."
"Good job, Johnny," James praised. "You did more than expected. Gaining Cassandra's trust alone must have been tough. But be careful with Belle. I suspect her taking you to dinner wasn't about impressing her friend but to make her jealous. She's playing her own game."
"Understood, boss. I'll watch her more closely."
"And John…"
"Yes?"
"We're coming to the party."
"Got it. I'll inform Toby Champion to prepare your invites secretly. No one else will know."
"Perfect. Also, Diana mustn't know I'm coming. No one should. Not yet. I plan to change that the moment I arrive but until then, our presence stays under wraps."
"Copy that, boss. I'll handle it."
After ending the call, James stared at his phone, his finger hovering over Diana's contact. For a moment, he considered calling her, letting her know he was coming.
But then he paused and dropped the phone.
Their last conversation still gnawed at him. He had felt it, the tension, the hesitation in her voice. Like she was hiding something. Something big.
If she really trusted me, he thought, why hide anything?
He clenched his fist, determination building in his chest.
If she wasn't going to tell him what was wrong, he would make sure she never had to doubt him again.
By the end of this party, everyone—including Diana herself—would know exactly who she was:
Mrs. James Goddamn Alfred
The long-awaited day for Toby Champion's party had finally arrived.
Diana had poured herself into the planning all week, late nights, checklists, double confirmations—everything had to be flawless. This wasn't just a party. It was a stepping stone. A stage. An open gate into the future she and her friends had envisioned for years. Business connections, new investors, powerful visibility, it was all within reach now. This was their moment to shine.
And with full confirmation that their husbands wouldn't be in attendance, the women felt even more empowered. Their plans could finally move forward; smooth, foolproof, and now leveled up.
Evening fell like a thick velvet curtain, brushing the sky in hues of gold and deep blue. Inside the Higgins household, tension met excitement as Diana got ready. In her room, she sat quietly for a moment, staring at her reflection.
She was dressed in a custom couture short dress, an elegant piece of embroidered crepe with shimmering sequin detail that danced when the light hit it. Her makeup was sleek and warm, done by one of the best hands James could afford. Her heels matched perfectly, and her hair was swept into a regal updo.
It wasn't just a look. It was a statement. A message.
James had flown in the entire glam team to make sure she looked nothing short of stunning. And stunning, she was.
When she stepped out of her room, the house stilled for a beat. The men downstairs turned at once, her father and two brothers already dressed and waiting. Raymond was the first to react, clapping as a proud smile pulled across his face.
"I think your husband really outdid himself on this one, Di."
Diana flashed a playful grin. "Of course he did, Dad. What did you expect? I'm carrying his children."
Jason and Jackson exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. It was just like their sister to throw that out so casually.
Down came Grandma Suzanne, Katherine, and Rebecca, curious to see the girl of the hour.
"I wonder why I'm not going, Dad," Rebecca complained, arms folded, eyes narrowing at Diana like she was trying to hold back envy.
Raymond didn't even blink. "Rebs, come on. This isn't your thing and you know it. Besides, you volunteered to help your mom, you can't take that back now."
Rebecca huffed and turned away, muttering under her breath about how unfair it was. Seeing Diana looking like that had clearly shifted her mood.
Suzanne stepped forward, eyes glinting with admiration. "You look breathtaking, my dear."
Diana smiled, softening. "Thank you, Grandma."
But not everyone looked thrilled.
Katherine's voice sliced through the praise. "Just be careful at that party, Diana."
Diana sighed. "Relax, Mom. What could possibly go wrong?"
Katherine didn't smile. That heaviness in her chest hadn't left. It had been sitting there since morning, building, gnawing. A strange sense of dread lingered, like something was off. And she couldn't shake it.
"She's got us there with her," Jason added, trying to lift the mood.
But Katherine kept her eyes on her daughter. "You're sure James won't be there?"
Diana hesitated slightly. "He didn't say if he will or won't. But… I don't think so. He's busy."
Raymond stepped beside his wife, resting a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder. "Honey, come on. She's going to be fine."
He turned toward the door. "Alright, let's move. We don't want to be late."
Jackson smiled and extended his arm to Diana. "Shall we?"
Diana looped her hand through his and walked out with her head held high. Her heels tapped steadily across the floor. There was power in her steps, purpose in her presence.
But behind them, Katherine remained still, watching the door long after it closed, her gut still twisted with an uneasiness she couldn't name.
And somewhere out there, fate stirred quietly… waiting for the perfect moment.