Chapter 8

As soon as she stepped into the hall, the once animated conversation among the Taylors came to a screeching halt. Not a sound followed—just stiff silence. She paused at the doorway, stood there for a few seconds, then softly said, “Grandpa, Grandma, Dad...” “Hmph!” Evelyn Taylor snorted coldly, slamming her teacup onto the table with a loud clatter as some tea splashed over the edge. That morning, someone from a company had called the house to spill the tea about Cassandra stirring things up at a funeral. Evelyn had almost blown a fuse. She’d never been fond of this eldest granddaughter anyway. Always walking around with a sour expression like someone owed her money. If it hadn’t been for Alexander constantly shielding her, she would’ve kicked Cassandra out of the family ages ago. “Cassie, didn’t I clearly tell you not to make trouble? What did you promise me back then?” Alexander hadn't lost his temper in years, but today’s mess pushed him over the edge. “I’m sorry, Grandpa.” Cassandra knew she messed up and immediately lowered her head in apology. Cassie was her nickname, and only her grandpa still called her that. “Alexander, she’s made such a scene today and brought shame to the Taylor family. A simple sorry isn’t nearly enough to make up for that.” Lillian Doyle, Cassandra’s stepmother, let out a soft laugh, though her eyes gleamed with sarcasm. Aside from Alexander, everyone thought Cassandra went nuts after her car accident. Cassandra slowly lifted her eyes to glare at Lillian, her stare sharp and cold. Lillian, in her early forties, had aged well—flawless skin, a perfect figure, not a trace of time on her face. But that look from Cassandra made her twitch — creepy enough to keep her from saying anything else. “Heehee! Grandma, ever since the accident, Cassie’s got this wild, reckless vibe now. She doesn’t even care about what Grandpa says anymore,” Vera Taylor giggled sweetly, arm linked with Evelyn’s, pretending to be all innocent. “Vera, stop trying to stir the pot.” Cassandra’s voice was icy as she shot her a glare. “And knock it off with the whole 'sis' act. You’re not even part of the Taylor bloodline. It's just cringe hearing you say that.” What she hated most were two-faced girls who loved playing both sides. Vera’s face turned pale, then flushed red as she clung to Evelyn’s arm and whined like a child, “Grandma, I was just joking with her...” Evelyn was shaking with rage from Cassandra’s attitude. Slamming her cane, she snapped, “Alexander, you see this? This is the result of all that spoiling. She’s completely out of control now. What happens next—your call.” With that, she stood up abruptly, Vera hurrying to support her up the stairs. Richard Taylor shot a cold look at his daughter before following them. He never had a close relationship with her anyway. Since his father raised her, let the old man deal with it now. Lillian didn’t follow Richard. Instead, she lounged on the couch with her tea, looking completely unbothered. Cassandra fixed her cold eyes on Lillian. “Still not leaving? Waiting for round two or what?” Lillian’s smile twitched. Noticing Alexander also casting her a disapproving glance, she clenched her fists in frustration and finally got up to leave, unwillingly.