Chapter 171
"When the accusation detonated in her ears like a bomb, Cassie found herself unsettlingly calm.
So this was it, the reason behind Helen's consistent chill and severity. She'd assumed Helen was simply not the nurturing type. But upon Olivia Brooks' return, she witnessed a warmer Helen, previously hidden.
She had her suspicions, yes, but never wanted to embrace the reality that she was an orphan, unloved and unwanted – the truth far more humiliating than she imagined.
""Heh.""
""Do you have any idea how long I've been disgusted by you?"" Olivia patted Cassie's delicate cheek. ""I suffered so much after being kidnapped, and you – living in luxury in my place, surrounded by dashing men like Arthur Lewis...""
""But now I've got nothing, and I’m certainly not after your scraps,"" Cassie realized that Olivia was more than just spiteful; there was a twisted malice within her.
""And yet, you keep humiliating me – fiancé gone, Heights Company sold. You think I'll just let it slide?""
A cold chuckle, then Olivia whipped out a vial. ""Would Joseph stay loyal if he saw you tainted by another? Would David and Arthur Lewis still circle you like moths to a flame?""
""Olivia Brooks, you're insane! Karma will get you!""
Cassie erupted, lashing out fiercely, but two men pinned her down, rendering her immobile.
""Karma?"" Olivia said with scorn. ""I'm now the Peace Group heiress. Who would dare cross me? As for dear Joseph, I'll settle our score in time.""
She signaled her accomplices, and Cassie's mouth was brutally pried open, a liquid poured down her throat. She choked, her face flushed red with the urge to vomit but unable to.
Olivia casually gathered the design drafts from the floor, glanced over them, and smirked, ""Not bad designs at all. Thank you. I’ll be taking these.""
""You’re despicable, stealing is all you're good for,"" Cassie spat, defiant.
""Yes, I'm a thief. And what will you do about it?"" Olivia gave a nod to the men, ""Make sure she's well entertained,"" she ordered, before departing with Mr. Willow.
As the door slammed shut once more, Cassie felt a sudden wave of heat course through her body. She had once administered the same substance to Joseph but could never truly comprehend his agony until this very moment.
Two men approached her, with eager anticipation in their step. They were nothing more than bodyguards for the wealthy elite, familiar with the name Cassie, having laid eyes on Madison's most coveted belle before—way out of their league. And yet, here they were, presented with an unexpected opportunity that was just too good to pass up.
""Stay away from me,"" Cassie pleaded, stumbling backwards. She fumbled for her cell phone to call Joseph, but the device was quickly snatched from her grasp and discarded.
""Oh, darling, don't you get it? Nobody's gonna save you now,"" one of the men taunted, lunging toward her.
---
At the staircase, David and his assistant were gearing up to attend a networking event when they spotted Olivia Brooks and a middle-aged man exiting a private room, heading for the elevator. The man bowed with extra deference, pressing the elevator button for Olivia and insisting she enter first, a perfect picture of servitude.
""Isn't that Mr. Willow from the Peace Group's planning department? He seems rather submissive towards that woman,"" remarked the assistant, puzzled.
David squinted at the woman—it was Olivia Brooks, unmistakable. But with Height Company's recent downfall, why would someone from the Peace Group treat her with such respect? Suddenly, he remembered a conversation with Billy about Cassie dealing with the Peace Group recently, possibly securing a high-end real estate deal. Something didn't add up."
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