Chapter 32

Those words might have sounded like some kind of ritual to ward off misfortune, but in truth, they were nothing more than an insult aimed at Cassandra. Everyone thought she was unworthy and didn't belong in the Hart family. Cassandra had heard those same words when Christina had once been gossiping with a friend. She clenched her fists, telling herself to endure it. Suddenly, Ashton darted out, shouting, "Stop it!" He shoved Paul hard, his porcelain-like face flushed with anger. "This is what you do to drive away ghosts. Is she a ghost? If she's a ghost, what does that make me? Am I a ghost too?" Cassandra froze. Watching Ashton spread his arms in front of her, she felt touched. Her eyes reddened, and suddenly, she felt like every hurtful thing she had gone through was worth it. "Ash…" Cassandra whispered. "Ash, you have misunderstood Paul," said Christina. She crouched to pull Ashton into her arms and coaxed him. "Paul didn't mean that. He was just getting rid of the bad energy