Chapter 692 - 692: CAR RIDE WITH CASEY

“THAT sounds like a great idea,” Lauren said, his enthusiasm obvious.

“I think so as well,” Snow agreed with a nod.

Kiran, however, looked hesitant. “Are you sure? I mean, I know you’re all busy, and I don’t want to take up your time—”

“Stop. Don’t overthink it,” Astrid interrupted. “A housewarming party is not taking up our time.”

“Exactly,” Lauren chimed in. “Besides, it’s not every day one gets a place of their own for the first time. We’re celebrating you, Kiran. Let us.”

Kiran hesitated for a moment longer, then finally nodded, a small smile breaking crossing his lips. “Okay, fine. But only if you’re sure.”

“We’re sure,” Snow said simply.

They quickly pulled up their schedules on their Terminals, comparing dates and times until they found a day that worked for everyone. After some back-and-forth, they settled on a date two weeks from now.

Ellis approached the group with a polite smile, offering a quick apology for interrupting. She explained that Astrid needed to mingle with some of the guests. Astrid didn’t resist—he knew this was part of the job and all that. He couldn’t just refuse because he’d rather spent time with his friends. After a brief exchange of goodbyes, he followed Ellis into the crowd.

She introduced him to a group of executives and industry insiders. The conversations were polite but predictable—compliments on his walk, questions about his upcoming projects, and the occasional comment about how well the Chrome Collection had been received. Astrid smiled, nodded, and responded with the right amount of enthusiasm, keeping his answers professional but friendly enough.

One executive in a tailored suit asked about his experience working with EMMA. Astrid gave a brief but thoughtful response, praising the team and the creative process. A woman mentioned how much she’d enjoyed [The Great War]. Astrid thanked her a bit more sincerely.

Ellis stayed close, occasionally stepping in to steer the conversation or introduce someone new. He shook hands and made small talk about the industry, all while keeping his smile intact.

Their final stop was Casey and Oleander Breeze for a final photo op. Astrid joined them, posing naturally as cameras flashed.

“By the way, Cassius, that last touch with the flowers was genius,” Oleander said in an appreciative tone. “Did you keep it a secret just to surprise me?”

Astrid glanced at his uncle, curious to hear his response. But instead of the confident reply he expected, a flicker of confusion crossed Casey’s face. It was gone almost instantly, replaced by a smooth smile.

“Of course,” Casey said, trying to sound casual.

Astrid didn’t miss the hesitation, though. Something about Casey’s reaction didn’t quite add up, and it brought back the possibility that had crossed his mind earlier.

But surely not, right?

—–

The after-party wrapped up on a high note, the energy still buzzing even as things began to wind down. The show had been a success, and the night had gone exactly as planned.

Astrid spent the final moments of the after-party chatting with his friends and thanking the EMMA team for their hard work. Once the formalities were over, Ellis discreetly guided him toward the exit. She kept him close, shielding him from view as they navigated through the remaining guests and staff.

When they reached the parking lot, Ellis took a quick look around before signaling Astrid to follow. As they approached Casey’s car, Ellis opened the door and practically nudged Astrid inside, her eyes still scanning the area to make sure no one noticed. Then, she waved her hand goodbye before walking towards the direction where her car was parked.

Astrid smiled slightly as he watched Ellis walk away. She’d been a good sport about the whole thing, which surprised him. He’d expected her to push back, just like she had when Casey wanted to arrive at the after-party together. But this time, she’d agreed without much fuss. Maybe it was because there were fewer people around now that the party was over. Most of the paparazzi had likely already left, and the remaining guests were too busy wrapping up to pay much attention.

As the car started to move, he couldn’t help but feel a bit like a spy. But it was necessary. If anyone saw him leaving with Casey, rumors about his uncle being his sugar daddy would spread like wildfire. And as ridiculous as that sounded, it was still the better option compared to the Lancasters catching wind of his connection to the Grimaldis.

“Does your agent know I’m your uncle?” Casey asked after a moment.

“Yeah,” Astrid said, a hint of guilt creeping into his voice. “I told her about our family.”

He probably should have checked with the rest of the family before telling Ellis, but Astrid trusted her. He was confident she wouldn’t reveal their family’s secret. It’s just not in her character. Just look at how she’d handled the situation with Olivia Crane. Despite everything that had happened between them, Ellis had never spoken badly about her, even though she could have. It’s probably even right to say that she’s entitled to it.

Casey didn’t scold him or react with anger. Instead, his expression shifted to one of concern. “Do you trust her?”

Astrid met Casey’s gaze directly and didn’t hesitate to say, “I do.”

Casey nodded, his expression thoughtful but accepting. “If you trust her, then I will too.”

“You’re really okay with it?” Astrid asked, wanting to be sure.

Casey shrugged. “Well, her knowing that we’re related is much better than her trying to pimp you to me.”

Astrid blinked, then let out a laugh. “True that.”

Casey cleared his throat. “Since we’re on the topic of secrets, can I ask you something?”

Astrid turned to his uncle, his expression curious. “Sure. What is it?”

“That person named White Wolf,” Casey began, “the one with the handle @astridsnumber1fan on [Cyberspace]. Do you know him personally?”

If Astrid had been drinking or eating something at that moment, he might have choked from sheer surprise. He forced himself to stay calm before asking, “Why do you ask?”

Casey hesitated for a moment before answering. “I know this would sound strange, but I have a feeling I might know who he is.”

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