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."

and shook

idea, and while we appreciate his willingness to help,

guilt. She glanced at Charles, then

she wanted to help

concluded,

"Thanks for listening to my dilemma. I'll figure

wasn't necessary-that they should just book a hotel room for now and figure out the rest later.

she could say anything, Hugo was

I'm really sorry for disturbing your sleep," he said politely before turning to Butler Jen. "And sorry

apologize, Second Young Master," Butler Jen

Kiara and Cassandra. "Anyway, let's

ladies furrowed their brows, and just as Cassandra was about

raised her

just smiled softly. Cassandra

the time

family. So, she

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

you," Cassandra echoed

Allison stood. "How about-"

Mom." Hugo waved her off. "You don't

a grateful smile.

gratitude-including thanks for the warm tea-the three of them

Allison let out another heavy sigh and turned to Atlas, her expression clouded with

let your brother's friends stay

you let strangers

knew her beliefs differed from her children's. Though she was their mother, her children were grown and entitled to their own

don't mind Hugo's

Smith is carrying. Besides, no woman-other than you, Penny, and Nina-has ever stayed in my home. I'd rather keep it that way until