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.

was too much for

Cassandra. "Run your mouth to clear your

trembled under the weight of his warning, her eyes locked onto his cold, piercing gaze. She held her breath until

squeezed

everything

nothing. His eyes remained

and

couple left, those who remained behind were Mint, Slater,

sighed, resting his hands on his hips as he

her-" Mint began, but before

kill me!" she cried, her voice breaking with

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

or something?" she asked, pointing at herself. Cassandra swallowed hard, her

rolling his eyes. "I'm done for the night. James

left Mint to deal with the situation. He had

flicked back and forth between Mint and

down beside her, resting his arms casually over his knees. He gave her a warm, almost playful smile Relax.

her entire body shivering. "Home... Homeland

vel

Hugo chuckled softly, then held out his hand to her. His smile was gentle, more considerate now, understanding what this poor woman had been through over the

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," Hugo continued. "Tomorrow, you'll meet with Grace. I can't tell you everything that's going

brows

have a battle to fight. Focus on that. And if saving yourself isn't enough motivation... then at least do

voice low and edged

screw it up... for her- or I'm the one who's going to

silently wondering, Shouldn't I be the one handling this? Why's he pulling out the big

sharp undercurrent of his words. Though his smile remained, she could feel the danger