Chapter 9

After everyone had left, Cassandra glanced at Alexander, who seemed deep in thought, and took the lead to admit her mistake. "Sorry, Grandpa. I didn’t behave well and made you upset. However you want to punish me, I won’t complain. Go ahead and do what you think is right—I need to learn my lesson." She knew her grandfather had always been protective of her, and that made her eyes sting a little. Deep down, she promised herself she’d never let him down again. Alexander stared at her with a complicated look, before letting out a sigh. "Cassie, you’ll spend the next week confined to the estate. No parties, no outings, and no guests. Tomorrow morning, I want you in the Hall of Ancestors. Sit there and copy the Taylor family charter by hand—every word. Use the time to reflect on what it means to bear this name." He had always been firm—kind when it was deserved, and uncompromising when discipline was needed. “Yes, Grandpa.” Cassandra gave him a respectful nod. She didn’t argue with the punishment. “Please don’t stay upset for too long. Try to get some rest. I’ll bring you the charter once I’ve finished copying it. I’m heading to the Hall of Ancestors now. Good night, Grandpa.” With that, she quietly left the hall and made her way to the ancestral gallery. Ever since she was given the punishment, Cassandra had been staying quietly at home. She kept a steady routine, went running every morning, and her once frail body was starting to look healthier and brighter. At the same time, she began to figure out how everyone in the Taylor household operated and learned to keep her temper in check. One day, Alexander told her to tag along with Vera and Evelyn to attend the Regalon Group’s auction—said it’d be good for her to broaden her horizons. Behind the Regalon Group was the mysterious and centuries-old Langley family—a clan with wealth rivaling empires. No one really knew how the Regalon Group secured such rare treasures: many of the antiques they auctioned had been missing for decades, even centuries. People in the outside world called it “the legend of the auction world.” The Langley family was also one of the four major families in G Country. Just as Cassandra entered the venue with Evelyn and Vera, they bumped into a group of wealthy ladies and socialites. Among them were Mara and her mother. The second Cassandra saw them, her expression iced over. A wave of buried hatred flashed through her chest, but she simply raised a calm, emotionless smile—graceful, yet distant. "Mrs. Taylor, it’s been a while. You look younger every time I see you," one of the socialites said with a polite smile. No one dared offend Evelyn—she’d been a formidable figure in her younger days. "Oh, please, Mrs. Harris, cut it out. I’m just an old woman," Evelyn replied with a wave and a chuckle, modest but not falsely humble. Even though she was nearly seventy, her careful upkeep and perfectly done makeup shaved off years from her look—graceful aging with a touch of elegance. Mrs. Harris’s gaze landed on the two young women beside Evelyn. Beautiful and poised, both of them stood out, and she paused for a beat. One of them she recognized right away—Vera, the second daughter of the Taylors. Not even 18 yet, she was already considered a model socialite in their circle. No need to say more about her impeccable reputation. But the other girl—slimmer, a bit delicate in appearance—had a beauty that couldn’t be ignored. Her aura even outshone Vera’s. "And who’s this young lady?" Mrs. Harris asked, curiously turning to Cassandra. Before Evelyn could reply, Mara stepped in softly, her voice light with a touch of sorrow. "Oh, that’s Cassandra, the eldest daughter of the Taylors. I heard she was really close to my sister before she passed. You know, my sister really hated the color black, but I wasn’t careful and chose a black outfit for her funeral… Cassandra slapped me for it. Still, thanks to her, my sister got the farewell she deserved."