Chapter 66

Gregory had proposed to Cassandra with a six-carat sapphire ring, claiming it was a cherished heirloom from Christina—now passed down to her future daughter-in-law. Cassandra had been moved to tears at the time, not because the ring was expensive, but because she believed that Christina had truly accepted her as her daughter-in-law. That illusion shattered when, after the wedding ceremony, Christina quietly asked for the ring back. "The ring is too valuable, Cassandra. It's inappropriate for you to wear it, so I'll keep it safe for now. Here, wear this instead. I personally picked it for you—it looks good and it suits you." Christina then handed her a different ring, the one Cassandra now wore. Later that night, unable to sleep, Cassandra wandered downstairs and stumbled upon Christina and Gretchen at the gazebo. Gretchen was gleefully snapping photos of the sapphire ring on her own finger. "You're so good to me, Mom! This ring is gorgeous. It's mine now. I'm going to wear it