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

Chapter 1646: Help not for her, but for her friend

[Present Time]

Zoren let out a deep breath, the memory of what had just happened playing vividly in his mind.

There hadn't been a bomb in Jonathan's house. It was a false report—part of the same setup orchestrated by the man who stabbed Jonathan and nearly shot Zoren.

A ploy to draw them out... for that very reason.

"It's alright," Penny whispered softly. Without needing any explanation, she reached out and gently took his bloodstained hand-his fingers barely cleaned, the stains lingering like a reminder of what couldn't be washed away.

She offered him a small, reassuring smile and nodded.

"Mint, take care of Cassandra Smith," she ordered, her eyes still on Zoren.

Then she turned to meet Atlas's gaze. "I'll call you tomorrow for the details, First Brother."

Atlas glanced at his sister briefly before his eyes shifted back to Zoren. His lips parted as if he had something to say... but then, he thought better of it and simply nodded.

"Keep your phone on," was all he muttered before turning away, resuming his steps as if none of this concerned him.

But it did.

Atlas was deeply concerned. He just chose not to say anything, a silent show of respect to give Penny and Zoren space to process everything.

Tonight, they'd already endured more than enough.

Nina's mother... the portrait of Haines's lost lover... the same woman their father had killed... and the face that matched Naylani Pierson.

much

paused and looked down at Cassandra. "Run your mouth to clear your name," he said coldly, "not

warning, her eyes locked onto his cold, piercing gaze. She held her breath until

squeezed

lot to talk about," she murmured. "Jonathan... and everything else we've uncovered. But

remained on

word, he nodded and let

who remained behind were Mint, Slater,

Hugo sighed, resting his hands on his hips as he looked down at Cassandra. "Why are you still

began, but before she

cried, her voice breaking with fear. "Please!

confused. She darted her gaze between Slater and Hugo, then back to

I'm a criminal or something?" she asked, pointing at herself. Cassandra

his eyes. "I'm done for the night. James keeps nagging me about my eye

with the situation. He had zero patience for consoling Cassandra-especially when he

flicked back and forth

his knees. He gave her

her entire body shivering. "Home... Homeland

vel

it, does it?" Hugo chuckled softly, then held out his hand to her. His smile was gentle, more considerate now, understanding what this poor woman had

got a lot of questions, and I'm sorry for my First Brother. He's cold, but he's not a bad person. It just takes time-and a hard reset in his head-to realize that,"

his brows with a knowing

your friend have a battle to fight. Focus on that. And if saving

his voice low

what Kiara's gone through for you. Don't screw it up... for her- or I'm the one

Shouldn't I be the one handling this? Why's he pulling out the big guns on

at Hugo, feeling the sharp undercurrent of his words.