Chapter 14
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I sat there, my fingers lightly tracing the rim of my teacup as Evelyn’s words settled into the silence of the room. Borrow?
Well, she had called it a loan herself, hadn’t she? They had promised to repay me when things got better. But the way she was making it sound now… it was as if I was supposed to feel obligated. As if my entire existence revolved around supporting this family.
Evelyn’s eyes flickered with something unreadable before she let out a sigh, shaking her head slightly. I could see it in her expression–she thought I was selfish. That I should have nothing better to do with my inheritance than spend it on the Warrens. After all, what else did I have in my life?
Adrian straightened, his jaw set with quiet determination. “I’ll figure something out on my own. I won’t need to borrow from you.”
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving the tension in the air thick enough to cut.
All eyes landed on me. I took a slow breath, then rose to my feet with a graceful nod. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going”
“Cassandra, stay here!” Evelyn’s voice was sharp, demanding, stopping me in my tracks.
I turned back to face her, meeting her hardened gaze. “Is there something else you need?” I asked, keeping my tone even.
She studied me for a moment, her expression shifting into something almost… concerned. “I know you went to the board and spoke with the chairman. That wasn’t a wise thing to do.”
Ah. So that’s what this was about.
She continued, her voice laced with a deceptive softness. “Once Vivian becomes part of this family, it will reflect well on us. Her success will elevate all of us–including you. When that happens, who knows? You may even earn a title. That would be a blessing, wouldn’t it?”
I smiled tightly, nodding. “You’re right.”
Encouraged by my agreement, Evelyn’s face brightened slightly. “Ten million dollars isn’t much for you. And the jewelry, well, that’s probably another two or three million. You wouldn’t mind. covering those expenses, would you?”
I held her gaze, my heart pounding. My dowry. My money. And she was asking me to fund my husband’s affair?
But I knew how this game was played.
So I nodded. “Alright.”
1:15 PM
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nothing more than childish defiance. “Cassandra, you’re sensible. Rest assured, if anyone ever tries to bully you. I’ll be the first to stand up for you.”
Beatrice, who had been silent up until now, let out a sharp breath beside me. Her eyes flicked. between us, disbelief plain on her face,
I didn’t blame her.
After all, what kind of woman used her own inheritance to help her husband marry another.
woman?
This family was clearly pushing too far.
I turned to Beatrice, my voice calm but firm. “So, the engagement gifts amount to about thirteen. million dollars. How much will the wedding itself cost?”
Beatrice let out an exasperated sigh. “The party and other expenses will add up to several million more. Are you really planning to cover all of that too?”
If I wanted to be foolish, she wasn’t about to waste any more breath trying to stop me.
I smiled. “Sure. When the time comes, I’ll have Adrian sign a promissory note. Once that’s done, I’ll transfer the money.”
The tension in the room thickened. Every face, except for those on Beatrice’s side, darkened with
irritation.
“That’s ridiculous! Since when does a husband need to sign a promissory note to get money from his fiance?” Evelyn snapped, her voice sharp with anger.
I tilted my head, genuinely surprised by her reaction. “If we don’t have a promissory note, how can it be considered a loan? Mother, didn’t you just say the money would be a loan? Writing a promissory note for a loan is perfectly reasonable. Not writing one would be absurd, wouldn’t it?”
I rose to my feet, exuding confidence. “Speaking of which… there’s also no reason for a man to use his fiance’s inheritance to fund an engagement for another woman.
“If word got out, it would damage Adrian’s reputation. Our entire family would be mocked. Don’t you agree, Mother?”
Evelyn’s expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I just praised you for being
sensible
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough to sound soothing. “And thinking of the family’s reputation is sensible, isn’t it?”
With a soft smile, I reached out and lightly patted her shoulder. “Mother, don’t be upset. You just took your medication yesterday. It only lasts for five days, and Nathaniel won’t be coming to treat
you anymore”
Chapter 14
Her eyes snapped to mine, lingers tightening around my wrist. “What did you say?” Her voice trembled with disbelief. “How could you be so heartless? Why did you stop him from treating me?!“.
Chloe, fuming, shoved my hand away. “Cassandra, you stopped the doctor from coming? Are you trying to kill Mom?!”
1 merely flicked the edge of my sleeve, and Chlor staggered back as if struck by an unseen force, Her wide–eyed shock was almost amusing as she scrambled to grab the back of a chair for balance.
How fragile.
I met her gaze coolly. “Watch your words. Nathaniel himself said yesterday that he wouldn’t be coming again. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself whether it was his choice or if I somehow. forced him.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, leaving thein stewing in their own.
frustration.
