Chapter 25
Cassandra was warmed by Julia’s kindness, and her nerves eased a little. She followed Julia into the living room, where she immediately noticed two distinguished- looking men seated on the sofa.
One of them was Tristan’s father, Benjamin Freeman. He wore a crisp suit, his expression stern but commanding, and his sharp gaze landed on Cassandra with a hint of scrutiny.
The other was Tristan’s grandfather, Alfonso Freeman. Despite his age, he looked energetic and sharp, and he had a kind smile on his face as he looked at Cassandra.
Tristan stepped forward and introduced her respectfully, “Dad, Grandpa, this is Cassandra–my wife.”
Cassandra quickly stepped forward, gave them a small bow, and greeted politely, “Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Dad. I’m Cassandra Callum.”
After speaking, she handed over the gifts she had brought. Everyone smiled and nodded in approval. This woman clearly had proper etiquette.
Benjamin spoke with calm yet domineering authority. “Have a seat. There’s no need to feel nervous.”
Alfonso smiled even more warmly and waved her over. “Young lady, come here. Let me have a good look at you.”
Cassandra obediently walked over to stand in front of him.
Alfonso looked her over carefully, then nodded in satisfaction. “Great, very good. You’re a fine young woman. Tris, you’ve got good taste.‘
He then pulled out a carved rosewood gift box. “Young lady, this is my gift for you. See if you like it.
Cassandra took it a bit nervously. When she opened it, she found a pure emerald bracelet inside.
She knew a fair bit about jewelry, and this type of emerald, with its vibrant clarity, was the kind that collectors fought over. It was easily worth tens of millions.
She immediately said, “Grandpa, this… this is way too valuable. I can’t accept it.‘
Everyone exchanged looks and looked even more pleased. This young lady had a good head on her shoulders. She wasn’t greedy or vain.
“Young lady, take it. I’ve never taken back a gift I’ve given. It’s just a small token of my
affection.”
Tristan chuckled softly, amusement in his voice. “Just accept it, Cassie.”
Then, Benjamin and Julia also brought out their gifts. There were jewelry, property deeds, and luxury car keys. The pile of gifts in Cassandra’s hands was taller than
she was.
She was stunned. This was outrageous. These gifts
s were too much, and she was completely overwhelmed.
As Cassandra held them, she felt like her arms were about to give out. She suddenly remembered the first time she met Beatrice up and down with barely concealed disdain.
Cassandra could still picture that look on her face. She didn’t even look welcoming, so gifts were out of the question.
“This… Dad, Mom… this is too much, really…” Cassandra could feel how seriously they took her, and it genuinely moved her.
Initially, marrying Tristan had been partly an act of defiance. But now, it felt like she had struck gold.
Tristan came over, took the pile of gifts from her arms, and set them on the coffee table. His voice was gentle but firm as he spoke.
–
-how the woman had looked her
“Just take what they’re giving you. They like you. That’s why they prepared all this. You don’t need to feel pressured. From now on, we’re family.” She looked up at him, her eyes a little misty. She pressed her lips together and said softly, “But… all of this is just too much. I-”
