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Chapter 78
The revelation struck me. Cassie’s decision to leave her properties to me seemed impossible.
When did she decide this?
“Evan, if you think I took care of Cassie in her final months because of money, you’re gravely mistaken,” I said, my voice trembling, “I wasn’t even aware she had properties or money to leave behind.”
I mean, sure. Cassie definitely had a net worth in the millions, but leaving them to me? An outsider?
I bit my lip, anxiety creeping in. The last thing I wanted was for Cassie’s family to think I’d manipulated her. Isn’t that always the assumption in wealthy families?
A hard swallow forced down the lump forming in my throat.
“Isabella,” Evan said gently, “you don’t have to worry about me. My parents were shocked, too–none of us saw this coming. But in the end, they agreed because of the condition Cassie included in her inheritance letter.”
My heart thundered in my chest.
“What condition?” I managed to whisper.
“Cassie wanted you to marry me, Isabella.”
I was utterly speechless.
***
Auction day was here–the day when everything in my life was about to change.
The travel from Lyon to Paris took over two hours but felt like an eternity. At one point, I almost thought I wouldn’t make it. A wave of dizziness washed over me, followed by mild contractions, forcing me to sit down at the train station and catch my breath.
I reminded myself to be cautious–I was in the final stretch of my pregnancy, and the last thing I needed was a premature delivery.
Three familiar faces caught my eye when I stepped into the event hall: Lucas and my parents. My father’s face was twisted with bitterness, my mother stood ashen–faced beside him, while Lucas maintained a friendly smile.
“Isabella, I’m really sorry for bringing your parents along,” Lucas said hurriedly as if sensing the tension before I could react. “Your mother was visiting mine when the auction invitation arrived, and she insisted on coming.”
Before I could react, my father’s sharp, accusing voice cut in.
“Don’t even bother explaining, Lucas! She’s so quick to forget the parents who raised her for over twenty–five years!”
Heads turned in our direction, and my stomach clenched–not from contractions this time, but from the weight of humiliation.
I turned to Lucas, my voice icy, gritting my teeth. “Lucas, if you brought them here just to embarrass me at this auction, then congratulations–you’ve done a remarkable job!”
Lucas stood speechless but quickly recovered when he noticed the growing audience. Without another word, he gently guided my father away.
“Uncle, let’s get a drink. It’ll help calm you down,” he said.
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That left me standing face to face with my mother. She took my hand, hay cold fingers lightly gripping mine, offering
comfort
“Isabella,” she said softly, “don’t mind your father. The Prescott company has been faring major challenges lately. He’s been on edge for months”
Her words didn’t surprise me. My father’s once–impressive reputation had faded significantly Still, I knew my mother’s luxury clothing line was thriving–no doubt the real reason they maintained their lavish lifestyle.
“Tell me the truth, Mom. Did you and Dad help Charlotte escape? My voice carried an edge of accusation that made my mother recoil.
Her face drained of color as she stared at me in disbelief.
“Isabella, we don’t have those kinds of resources! Do you think we would risk breaking the law for Charlottes
I paused, carefully considering her words.
“Yes, Mom, you absolutely would! Wasn’t it against the law when you conspired with Mr. Reed, wanting me to bed him or spiked my drink?”
She trembled.
“Isabella, can’t you forgive me for what happened during Lucas and Charlotte’s engagement? We’ve already paid for it. What more do you want from me?”
I noticed her secretary approaching with concern across her face, but I had no energy left for this conversation. Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving my mother standing there. Repeating the question felt pointless–it was exhausting.
I’m not a heartless daughter. It’s normal to worry about my mother, especially now that I’m pregnant. I love my parents, but they always bring chaos into my life.
I asked the server for water inside the auction hall to calm my nerves.
“Isabella!” A familiar voice called out. I turned, and Evan’s face greeted me.
“Hi! I’m so glad you accepted my invitation!” I said.
He placed a kiss on my cheek.
“Is Cassiera your brand name?” he asked.
“Yes, that’s what I registered, along with my jewelry designs.”
Evan’s expression softened as he reached out to stroke my hair. “You loved my sister so much,” he murmured as if he saw traces of Cassie in me.
I cleared my throat. “By the end of this auction, brand owners will have the opportunity to explore potential partnerships- that’s why you see so many business executives here today.”
He glanced around briefly.
“But Isabella, you know you don’t have to seek partnerships if you receive Cassie’s inheritance.”
The weight of his words pressed against my chest. The truth was, I hadn’t even processed Cassie’s marriage request in her inheritance letter, let alone made a decision.
Cassie knew me better than anyone. Why would she make such an audacious request? She knew there could never be
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anything romantic between me and her brother.
I lifted the glass to my lips, hoping for a brief escape from my thoughts.
Evan gently took my hand and placed it over his chest. “Isabella, I want you to know–I’m prepared to honor my sister’s wishes.”
My lips trembled at his declaration. To onlookers, we probably looked like the perfect couple at that moment.
While we stood there, I noticed Valeria entering the auction hall with Grayson.
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Our eyes locked across the room–from the man I hadn’t seen in months. A surge of longing shot through me, but I quickly masked it indifferently.
Just then, the auctioneer’s voice cut through the tension. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!”
I braced myself at the sight of them together.
No. Grayson had no place in my life anymore. If Grayson wanted to share Valeria’s bed, I couldn’t care less.
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