Kashi could hardly believe it.
Inside, she squealed, quietly, privately, because she truly hadn't expected him to agree. Deep down, she'd been bracing for a flat, ruthless no. Not after the last time. Not after the way she'd treated him. Yet somehow, Chaos Riegrow didn't seem like the type to hold a grudge the way normal men did.
She'd gotten a deal with X Holdings, the toughest man in the world.
And she'd kissed him too… and was still pretending she didn't remember.
It was all too much.
She handled the remaining preparations with a calm face, while Zachary assured her he would oversee the follow-through. When everything was finally locked in motion, she went home.
The moment she walked in, she found her grandfather and Zarri waiting, both wearing the same expression: a sharp question mark.
Kashi smiled like it was the simplest thing in the world.
"X Holdings will partner."
Grandfather James's glass of whiskey nearly slipped from his hand. He caught it just in time, staring at her like she'd grown a second head.
"You.... what?" he barked, his voice sharp with disbelief.
Zarri, on the other hand, squealed and jumped to her feet, rushing over to grab Kashi's arms. "No way! You actually did it?!" She laughed, half in shock, half in excitement, shaking Kashi like a child with a new toy. "Kashi, do you even realize what this means?! The Saints heiress just bagged the biggest shark in the ocean!"
Frank, standing off to the side, coughed into his fist, clearly trying to stifle a grin.
Grandfather James wasn't amused.
He stood, pacing toward Kashi, his face darkening. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?" His voice thundered, but beneath it was something else, fear.
"Partnering with that boy means binding yourself to him. He doesn't do business, Kashi. He consumes."
Zarri rolled her eyes dramatically and waved a hand. "Oh, please, old man. Don't be so dramatic. This is a win! A Saint and a Riegrow in the same sentence? The media will eat it up!" She turned back to Kashi, eyes glittering with pride. "Mi encanto, you just secured your place in history."
Grandfather slammed his hand on the table, making the glasses clink. "History has no mercy! Mark my words, child, Chaos Riegrow will not stop at business. He never does."
Kashi met his stare, steady and unbothered.
"Grandfather, relax. You literally gave me your permission a few days ago, and now it's a success."
Grandfather froze mid-step, her words catching him off guard. His jaw tightened, eyes narrowing, but he didn't snap back immediately. Instead, he let out a long, frustrated sigh and sank into his chair like the weight had finally become too much.
"You twist my words, girl," he muttered, rubbing his temple. "I gave you permission to try. I didn't think you'd actually make a deal with him."
Zarri plopped beside Kashi on the couch, looping her arm through hers with a smug grin. "Well, she did. And you should be proud instead of moping like someone stole your favorite cigar." She kissed Kashi's cheek playfully. "This is a win, old man. A massive one."
Frank, leaning against the wall, finally spoke, steady, firm. "She's right, sir. Risky or not, this partnership changes everything for Saints. The board will fall in line. The shareholders will stop breathing down her neck. And the media…" He paused, eyes flicking toward Kashi. "They'll crown her the sharpest CEO in years."
Grandfather James looked between the three of them, his gaze landing on Kashi again. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, voice heavy.
"Success today, yes." His eyes softened, just barely. "A man like Chaos Riegrow doesn't share power. Be careful you don't mistake his agreement for surrender."
Zarri squeezed Kashi's hand under the table and whispered, just loud enough for her to hear, "Translation: he's terrified you'll fall for him."