Cassie Ennis was a designer specialising in hotel interiors and had just signed off her latest work which was for the stylish Drawbridge Hotel in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Having just taken over the Viaduct Bistro, Ray Crosby told manageress Alya Nazir that he was hiring Cassie to give the bistro a makeover and asked her to attend a meeting with Cassie at the Drawbridge, gifting her an overnight stay in one of their suites. Ever the sexual predator, his real intention was to bed Alya but his plan was frustrated by Bethany Platt who was determined to expose Ray for what he was.
Partially blinded by ambition, Alya didn't listen to the various people who warned her about Ray until Cassie arrived at the bistro a few days later to discuss a Valentine's Day charity event. Making small talk with Alya about the new look they would bring to the bistro, Alya voiced her disappointment that they'd not met at the Drawbridge to discuss ideas. Upon which, Cassie told her she knew nothing of any such meeting and the scales finally fell from Alya's eyes. She confronted Ray who admitted that he's wanted to get her on her own. Disgusted by him, Alya resigned on the spot.