Chapter 24

Thirty minutes later. Max pulled up in front of the Hawthorne residence. After checking in with the gate guard, word got to Gerald, and within a few minutes, Cassandra was allowed in. Damien didn’t say anything until he saw her walk through the gates. Then he told Max, “Let’s go.” This was the first time Cassandra stepped into the Hawthorne home again after her rebirth, wearing someone else’s identity. The moment felt surreal—like returning home, but not really. She clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms. Her chest felt like a swirling mess—resentment, fury, frustration—all tangled up. In the distance, she saw the butler waiting politely. She quickly masked her emotions with a calm and graceful smile. “Miss Taylor, welcome. I’m the Hawthornes' butler, Matthew Livingston. The old master is in the back garden. I’ll take you there,” the butler greeted her with a respectful nod. “Thank you.” As Cassandra followed him through the hallway, she ran straight into Mara. The mo