Chapter 274
"When Cassie came down the following morning, unrested, she immediately felt a change in the atmosphere.
Leo sat motionless on the couch while Luna, his arms draped around her, was animatedly saying, ""Dad, you have no idea how attentive Joseph was last night. He spotted me in the crowd right away and asked me to dance. Later, Grandma spent a long time talking to me. She wants me to be Joseph's girlfriend.""
Vera was grinning ear to ear. ""Luna is blessed indeed. I always knew that with her beauty and talents, she would surely find a perfect match. But to marry someone like Joseph, Madison's wealthiest man whose name commands respect, the future of the entire Hernandez estate might just be in her hands.""
""Don't forget about Liam,"" Leo cautioned, a frown creasing his forehead at the display of unbridled excitement from his wife and daughter.
How's Liam doing? Anyone with half a brain could see that even though Joseph stepped away from the Hernandez clan for a bit, Liam never really got a handle on them.
Luna strutted with confidence, ""Even if Joseph can't handle the Hernandez, his status is undeniable. He's the only one I'll ever marry.""
Vera chuckled softly, ""Sounds like a case of mutual admiration – a match made in heaven.""
Leo frowned slightly. ""So, after all this time, you slipped off to a Hernandez family gala last night, and you kept it a secret from me. Were you two worried I'd insist Cassie to come along? You and your mother certainly play your cards close to your chest.""
Luna pouted, ""Why drag her there? She's never been to anything like that; I was afraid she'd embarrass the Chapman name. Besides, she's engaged, isn't she? Better not to let her see all the New York elite, or she might just ditch her low-status fiancé.""
""You..."" Leo started, slamming his hand on the table, but he froze when he saw Cassie on the stairs. ""Cassie...""
""Oh, Cassie, don't get it wrong,"" Vera hurriedly laughed. ""Luna meant that you're new here and might not be used to such fancy events. The Hernandez's parties are a cut above the rest.""
Cassie arched an eyebrow silently. Her stepmother sure had a way with words, masking her scorn as concern for Cassie's lack of worldly exposure.
But Joseph or not, she'd never had any designs on climbing that social ladder.
And as for the Hernandez family, she kept them at arm's length.
""It's an honor to be part of the Chapman family. I've never aspired to reach for higher branches,"" Cassie said with a serene, mild smile.
Vera and Luna tensed up, taking her words as a subtle jab at their own ungrateful aspirations within the Chapman household.
Sure enough, Leo looked even more displeased with them.
Vera just blurted, ""Honey, I only want what's best for you. Imagine if your daughter married Joseph; it would elevate your status even more.""
""Dad, I'm Joseph's girlfriend now,"" Luna pouted. ""He even said he'll come to dinner tonight.""
""Mr. Hernandez is coming here?"" Vera shook with excitement. ""Honey, did you hear that? Looks like it won't be long before Luna and Joseph tie the knot.""
Leo was taken aback, but if Joseph was indeed coming, he'd need to ensure top-notch hospitality. ""I got it. I'll tell the kitchen to prepare some extra-special dishes and wine tonight.""
Luna's face lit up with excitement as she hurriedly said, ""Dad, I feel like I don't have enough clothes. Mr. Hernandez is coming over tonight, and I need to dress up...""
""Okay, go shopping with your mom."" Leo tossed a card their way. ""And don't just buy stuff for Luna. Cassie's new here, and her closet is practically empty. Get her twenty or thirty outfits and have the store deliver them.""
Vera and her daughter's smiles froze. Luna was about to vent her frustration when Vera shot her a look. The two then left for their shopping trip.
Watching their retreating figures, Leo sighed. ""Cassie, don’t mind her. Your sister tends to be a bit vain.""
""Dad, it's okay. I don't mind,"" Cassie replied with a dismissive shake of her head and a smile. Her dark, clear eyes sparkled, and her fair skin was so fresh it reminded him of a peeled egg, unmarred by makeup.
Leo was momentarily taken aback, feeling a pang of regret. In his heart, he thought Cassie’s natural beauty would have been a better match for Joseph, if only fate hadn’t played its tricks. If he had brought her home sooner...
""Come on, I'll take you on a tour of Chapman Enterprises.""
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