Chapter 272
""You're so understanding,"" Leo said, his face brightening with relief.
Cassie concealed a smirk as she glanced at Luna's vexed expression. She was surprised that she was resorting to the kind of strategy Olivia would have employed—effective nonetheless.
""Dad, just because you've brought me back doesn't mean you should always side with me or praise me. Luna's feelings matter. I don't want my presence to disrupt your family's harmony.""
Leo was profoundly moved. Standing beside the delicacy of his raised-in-the-nest daughter, Luna, Cassie's empathy resonated more deeply with him. ""Come on, sweetheart, let's go check out your room. If anything's amiss, just tell me.""
The father and daughter duo headed inside, and Luna was livid. ""Mom, she's such a manipulator.""
Vera's brow was furrowed too. She had underestimated Cassie, thinking she would be easy to handle being from a simple background.
But she was mistaken. Cassie was as formidable as her mother had been—not one to be taken lightly. However, Vera had crushed her mother all those years ago, and she was certain she could handle her daughter just as well.
""Calm down,"" Vera advised. ""In my time, I've dealt with all sorts. She's nothing to me.""
""So, how are the preparations for the Hernandez family's soiree tonight?"" Vera inquired.
At that, Luna's eyes sparkled with excitement. ""I've chosen a custom-designed pink gown and matching necklace. Joseph won't be able to take his eyes off me this evening.""
Vera nodded, satisfied with her daughter's preparations. ""I've heard through the grapevine that Matilda's claiming the estate is too quiet, but what she's really after is a bride for Joseph. She's invited all the eligible ladies from New York’s elite. Sounds like Joseph took a break and just got back in time for the holidays, and his grandmother insists he marries this year.""
""Mom, I've got it bad for Joseph,"" Luna blushed as she confessed, her voice a flutter of excitement. ""He's the most handsome guy I've ever laid eyes on. Nobody comes close to him.""
""Just keep at it. I Believe in you,"" Vera said with a dismissive wave. ""Once you snag a place in the Hernandez family, that little Cassie won't mean a thing.""
---
As evening descended, Cassie sat in the living room chatting with Leo.
Suddenly, Luna descended the staircase, donned in a pink dress that clung to her like a second skin, her every step a graceful dance of its own. Leo frowned and asked, ""Where are you headed?""
""She's off to a friend's party,"" Vera replied with a nonchalant smile.
""Don't stay out too late,"" Leo commented, letting the subject drop.
But Cassie noticed the excessive excitement on Luna's face, and even a glint of joy in Vera's eyes—it was clear something was afoot that delighted them both.
Night fell.
The Hernandez estate was alight with a lavish gala.
The young and beautiful of New York's elite swirled through the throng, a flutter of expensive fabrics and delicate fragrances filling the grand ballroom.
Tonight was for the crème de la crème, the daughters of wealth vying for attention—everyone knew that although this was officially a party, it was actually an unofficial court for Joseph Hernandez to choose a bride. Catching his eye could catapult one to the stars.
Yet, to the disappointment of many, the man of the hour was yet to appear.
Up in his study on the third floor, Joseph balanced a cigarette between his fingers while his other hand skimmed through documents. The desk lamp cast an illumination across his striking features—an oasis of calm amid the storm of festivities echoing from below."
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