Chapter 293
"Chapman nodded in approval. ""You’re right. Joseph is seeking a wife from a distinguished family. the Chapman family doesn't lack money or jewels; we're not like those gauche women who can't control themselves at the sight of jewelry.""
""That's right. We’re not like some women who can't stop grinning when they see jewels,"" one of the Chapman Family aunts said, glancing sideways at Cassie with a sneer.
A soft laughter rippled through the crowd, and Leo's expression soured. He was about to reprimand them, but Cassie smiled and said, ""Yes, I'm truly delighted to receive such a lavish piece of jewelry. It's not about its value; it’s about love. It comes from my grandmother.""
She paused, her beautiful eyes starting to mist.
“On my way here, I was a bundle of nerves. Luna grew up surrounded by doting grandparents, and her bubbly personality made her a favorite, but I never quite mastered the art of winning hearts. Raised by my aunt and uncle, I never had anyone to teach me how to connect with my blood. I feared my grandparents wouldn't accept me, but this gift from Grandma indicates that I do hold a place in her heart.”
Cassie glanced at Margaret with tears in her eyes.
All along, Grandma had been happy that her son had another daughter, but hearing her story tugged at her heartstrings, filling her with a mix of remorse and pity. The jewelry she had randomly picked out had moved her deeply.
Grandma, overcome with guilt, beckoned her over. ""Come sit with me; you're Chapman’s granddaughter. You've had it rough, haven't you? Have your aunt and uncle treated you poorly?""
""Initially, it was okay, but they grew cold toward me after they had their daughter. They confined me to the old house with nothing but spoiled food and cold water,"" Cassie said, my eyes brimming with tears.
""The Brooks family isn't that cruel; you can't possibly be telling the truth,"" Luna blurted out, unable to bear the sight of Grandma holding her hand.
""Exactly,"" Lilian chimed in. ""Your aunt and uncle raised you, after all. How can you say such things?""
""If you don't believe me, you're welcome to check. The hospital records will prove how I was treated,"" she replied with a sad, resigned smile.
""Shut your mouth if you can't speak nicely,"" Leo scolded angrily. ""Everyone in Madison knows the kind of people your aunt and uncle are. They were vile enough to murder their sister. How kind could they be to their niece?""
""What? Are they so monstrous?"" Margaret trembled, gripping Cassie’s hand tightly. ""Child, you've endured so much.""
""There's a saying: after hardship comes ease. Look at me now; I have a father and grandparents,"" Cassie said, lifting her head. There was a sparkle in her clear eyes, like beautiful stars.
""What a good girl,"" Margaret said, growing fonder of Cassie; even the ordinarily stern Chapman softened his demeanor. It was the first time he spoke so kindly. ""Now that you're back with the Chapmans, you are one of us. If anyone bullies you, let us know. But remember, never disgrace the Chapman name.""
""Thank you, Grandpa,"" She said, a smile breaking through her tears.
Sometimes, a well-timed smile can warm an elder's heart more than any tear.
Meanwhile, Vera and her daughter, who had arrived early to spread nasty rumors about Cassie, were fuming. They hadn't expected her woeful act to win over the elders' affection.
Vera's brow furrowed deeply; Cassie was not to be underestimated.
During dinner, Grandma wouldn't stop heaping more food onto Cassie's plate. ""Eat up, dear. You're too thin.""
""Thanks, Grandma."" Cassie thanked her without fussing about the food.
Grandma seemed pleased and turned to Luna, who was picking at her food. ""You never had to struggle, Luna. You’ve always been picky. You should take a page out of your sister's book.""
""Grandma..."" Luna fumed, her face turning red with frustration.
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