Chapter 26
Julia walked over with a warm smile, took Cassandra’s hand, and said affectionately, “Silly, no matter how expensive these things are, they’re nothing compared to the way you care about Tris. As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”
Julia walked over with a warm smile and took Cassandra. She sat next to Tristan, listening as Julia and Alfonso chatted about family matters. Occasionally, she chimed in with a few words, composed and poised.
The more Julia looked at her, the more she liked what she saw. She thought to herself, “This woman isn’t just beautiful. She’s got class, a gentle personality, and knows her manners. The more I look, the more I like her.”
Benjamin, though quiet, had a gaze that shifted from critical to approving.
Alfonso beamed and added, “Young lady, you’re family now. If you ever need anything, just speak up. Don’t be shy.”
Cassandra felt a wave of warmth in her chest and responded with a smile, “Thank you, Grandpa. I will.”
Tristan watched as Cassandra got along so well with his family. He gently took her hand and said in a low voice, “Don’t be nervous. They’re all easy to get along with.”
Cassandra gave his hand a light squeeze and smiled. “I know.”
Just then, Julia clapped her hands and said cheerfully, “Alright, it’s about time. Let’s eat! I prepared a feast to celebrate the newest member of our family!”
And so, the whole family gathered for a hearty meal. During dinner, Julia brought up the wedding.
Cassandra didn’t think it was necessary. She felt things were fine as they were.
However, Julia insisted that she didn’t need to worry about anything. All Cassandra had to do was show up looking like a beautiful bride.
She was determined to give the couple a grand wedding. After all, a wedding in the Freeman family was no small affair.
Cassandra looked around at the people sitting with her and felt a rush of emotion. She had never imagined being treated with this much warmth.
Compared to Aidan’s family, Tristan’s family gave her something entirely different. There was no coldness, no condescension. It was just genuine acceptance and love.
She took a deep breath, her voice catching in her throat. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom… Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll treasure all of this, I promise.”
Julia patted her hand with a smile. “That’s what I like to hear! From now on, you’re our daughter. If you need anything, just ask. Don’t stand on ceremony.”
Tristan stood to the side, watching his family shower Cassandra with love, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and whispered into her ear, “See? Told you they’d like you.”
As they left the Freeman residence, Cassandra still felt like she was in a dre she swore she’d treat them all with the care they deserved.
Meanwhile, Aidan still hadn’t wired the money after signing the agreement. However, Cassandra had given him three days.
At that moment, Aidan was getting blackout drunk with his childhood friend, Lucas Olson. He drank while ranting.
Lucas let out a sigh and asked, “What the hell are you thinking? All these years, anyone could see that you and Cassandra were great together. How did it all come to
this?”
“It’s Cassandra who doesn’t know what’s good for her. I spoiled her for too long.” Aidan sneered. “Now, she’s sold all her shares to me and wants to cut ties for good? Fine. I don’t care.
“She should ask herself–if it weren’t for me, would she be living the way she is now?” He laughed bitterly. He was just waiting for Cassandra to come crawling back.
Lucas sighed again. He had said everything he could, but it was like talking to a wall.
“Compared to Clara, Cassandra’s the better woman. She’s smart, beautiful, independent, and capable. Everyone’s seen how good she’s been all these years. “Clara? She’s fine for fooling around, but if you take her seriously, she’s going to drag you straight into a mess.”
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Chapter 27
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Chapter 27
Lucas had met Clara a few times. Aside from being younger, he honestly couldn’t find a single redeeming quality about her.
With all that cosmetic work she had done, she looked more like a tech experiment than a person. It was hard to take her seriously.
From the first time he saw Clara, Lucas knew she wasn’t simple. She was calculating and manipulative. She didn’t even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Cassandra. And to think they were half–sisters.
She knew Aidan was her sister’s fiance and still went after him. Shameless couldn’t even begin to describe her
But Aidan seemed like he was under some kind of spell. He thought Clara was beautiful and young, and every time she threw a little tantrum or acted cute, he found it endearing
Right now, Aidan was enjoying the attention. As the old saying goes, the spectator sees more of the game than the player.
Aidan was completely wrapped up in it. He couldn’t see anything for what it really was. But once he and Cassandra were truly over, Lucas knew he’d come to regret
