Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1637: What did I do now?

Hugo, Kiara, and Cassandra had agreed on one thing before deciding to visit the Bennet Mansion: they would never disclose the real reason they needed a safer house.

"I see..." Allison nodded in understanding, her gaze sweeping over the young ladies before settling on her second son. "But Hugo, that isn't for me or your father to decide."

She turned her attention to Atlas. After all, Hugo wasn't asking them to take the ladies in—but rather to allow them to stay at Atlas's unoccupied home.

Atlas's expression remained unmoved as he answered coldly, "No."

"First Brother..." Hugo sighed heavily, ready to launch into another round of persuasion. But before he could start, Kiara spoke up.

"It's alright," Kiara said with a calm smile, and Cassandra nodded in agreement. Kiara cast Hugo a reassuring glance, then turned back to the Bennet family. "We just tried our luck, but we appreciate you hearing us out and respecting our decision."

"Thank you," Cassandra added quietly. "I'm grateful you listened without judging me."

She had believed everyone was her enemy, that no one would believe in her except Kiara. But the longer she was out in the world, the more she realized there were still a few people who didn't immediately judge her based on the accusations thrown her way.

Besides, it was embarrassing enough to have Hugo begging on their behalf.

Atlas nodded in satisfaction. "They respect my decision, Hugo. You should learn to respect it too."

Hugo frowned, his shoulders slumping. He looked to his mother, only to receive an apologetic smile from Allison. Charles simply shook his head. Normally, he would have turned this into a full-blown lecture, but tonight, he just didn't have the energy.

"I can't either," Slater added as Hugo's gaze fell on him. "I'm a star-no, not just any star, but the biggest, brightest out there. I can't afford for the public to find out I'm sheltering someone accused of a crime."

He shot Cassandra a quick glance. "Not judging you—but I've got a reputation to protect."

"It's alright. I understand," Cassandra responded calmly, not taking his words to heart.

"I'd love to offer you our place..." Allison sighed. "But our guest house is under renovation, and there isn't enough extra space for both of you."

fine, ma'am." Kiara smiled appreciatively and shook

and while we appreciate his willingness to help, we don't want

with guilt. She glanced at Charles,

she wanted to help these girls,

concluded, Hugo let

standing. "Thanks for listening to my dilemma.

they should just book a hotel room for now and figure out the rest later. Even if it was exhausting, moving from one place to another might be

anything, Hugo was already rising

said politely before turning to Butler Jen. "And

don't need to apologize, Second Young Master," Butler

have to," Hugo shrugged before glancing at Kiara and Cassandra. "Anyway, let's go to our second

and just as Cassandra was about to speak, Kiara gently

her

smiled softly. Cassandra understood the silent

the

front of the family. So, she nodded, and both ladies

you for having us, and we're sorry for the trouble," Kiara

you," Cassandra

Allison stood. "How about-"

her off. "You don't need

Kiara added with a grateful

the warm tea-the three of them left the dining room

another heavy sigh

know it's your place, but was it really so hard to let your brother's friends stay there temporarily?" she asked, disappointment creeping into her

own action, "Mom, would you

was their mother, her children were grown and

don't mind Hugo's friends

coolly, "but I don't want to get tangled in the mess Cassandra Smith is carrying. Besides, no