Pampered By My Three Brothers: The Return Of The Neglected Heiress - Chapter 1493

Chapter 1493: Set in stone
“This engagement… It’s not about me. It never was, was it?”

Cassandra’s dating life wasn’t wild. She’d had casual flings and gone on many dates while living abroad. But she never introduced anyone to her family. Even when they came from prominent families, she didn’t want her family involved.

The only “relationship” they knew of was her arrangement with Finn—something set up for her before she even knew how to count. And all three of them knew it wasn’t a real relationship.

That was why Cassandra hesitated to introduce anyone. Even with Jonathan, when things were good between them, there were no labels. The only time they were officially together was when Cassandra got pulled into his mess—and she’d felt sorry for him.

Because Jonathan was a good man. And as someone with a special connection to him, it hurt to see him bullied by the Piersons—just because of his parentage. Because he was an illegitimate child. Of not just anyone, but Enzo Pierson.

Which brought her to the current situation.

‘At first, I thought it’d be a problem… that I’d have to persuade them,’ she thought, remembering the day she defended Jonathan to her family. ‘Because he’s an illegitimate child.’

But now, it was clear as day. Even without her persuasion, her grandfather had no issue with Jonathan.

Cassandra held his gaze firmly, her hands clenched on her lap. “This engagement… it’s never been about me, has it?”

“Haha…” Senator Smith snorted. “It is your engagement, sweetheart. Of course, it’s about you.”

“Then why won’t you let me call it off?”

“…” Her grandfather gazed at her calmly, unaffected by the emotion in her voice. “Why do you want to cancel it?”

Cassandra swallowed hard, trying to hold back tears. “He’s an illegitimate child.”

“That’s all?”

“That’s… all?” she repeated in disbelief. “Isn’t that enough?”

“I agreed to this engagement, knowing Jonathan Pierson was an illegitimate child. It’s not a problem,” he said dismissively. “Zoren Pierson and I already talked. Once you’re engaged, the Pierson family will acknowledge him as a legitimate member. He may not be Zoren’s brother on paper, but that concern will be taken care of.”

Her lips trembled as she opened and closed her mouth, unable to hide her conflicting emotions. “Grandpa, I don’t—”

“Cassandra, you’re not young anymore,” he cut in. “At your age, you should understand the importance of this marriage.”

“I don’t…” she whispered. “…love him.”

“Haha. Ah, Cassandra.” Her grandfather chuckled, reaching for his wineglass and sipping it leisurely. When he set it down, he continued, “You’ve lived a good life—studied at the best schools, had your every whim catered to.”

Then his eyes snapped toward her, sharp and cold. “Do you think you got all that because you deserved it?”

“What?”

“You lived the kind of life people pray for because you are my granddaughter. And as my granddaughter, you represent me,” he said flatly. “Love… isn’t something you should concern yourself with. I let you break off your engagement with the Davises because our ties with them stayed intact. But you, who have done nothing for this family, don’t get to damage our reputation over some illusion called love.”

Every word sliced through Cassandra like a knife.

“This marriage is in your best interest. And with the Piersons, it’s a good match,” he added, as though he were the picture of a concerned grandfather. “One day, you’ll thank me for this.”

“Thank you?” she whispered, scoffing in disbelief.

“Cassandra,” her mother said gently, but Cassandra ignored her completely.

Standing, Cassandra stared down at her grandfather, voice sharp. “When you arranged my father’s marriage to my mother, did you say the same thing?”

“Cassandra!” her father snapped, slamming the table as he stood. “Watch your tone!”

But she didn’t even flinch. Her focus remained on the old man. “Growing up, I wished for just one thing—that my parents would separate. Because I’ve never seen a more miserable marriage than theirs. And I don’t think either of them ever thanked you for that.”

“I’m not going to marry Jonathan Pierson, Grandpa,” she added, each word laced with finality. “My marriage will not be your campaign fund or your political chess piece.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

“Cassan—” Her father stopped when Senator Smith raised a hand. Clenching his jaw, he turned toward him. “Father, I’m sorry. She’s had trouble adjusting since she returned to Anteca. I’ll talk to her.”

“Give your daughter some slack,” Senator Smith said with a dismissive wave. “She’s always been indecisive. She’s just crying for attention. Be extra kind.”

Her father pressed his lips into a tight line, clearly unhappy. Cassandra’s mother lowered her head, hiding the sadness in her eyes. As for Senator Smith, he simply resumed eating, his appetite unaffected.

Cassandra would marry Jonathan. That was final.

Even if she cried on her wedding day, she would walk down that aisle and fulfill her duty as the granddaughter of this family.

—

When Cassandra left her parents’ home, she drove away as fast as she could. That place had always suffocated her, just like she remembered.

She pulled over at the side of the road, still within the subdivision, and gripped the steering wheel. Leaning forward, she clenched her teeth and let out a muffled scream.

She wasn’t just angry at them—she was angry at herself.

“God… I hate myself just as much as I hate that family,” she breathed, glancing at her phone as it lit up. Seeing Kiara’s name on the screen, she hesitated, hand hovering over it. But she didn’t answer.

“How did you even survive it?” she whispered to herself, remembering all too well how Kiara had struggled when she cut ties with her own family.

After all, Cassandra knew how her grandfather worked. When he said she would marry—she would.

“Unless…” she trailed off, her eyes sharpening with realization. “The other party backs out.”

Resolved shone in her eyes before Cassandra messaged Kiara a short note, saying she was busy. Then, without wasting another second, she drove off to Jonathan’s place.