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.

too much for one

down at Cassandra. "Run your mouth to clear your name," he said

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

squeezed Zoren's

about," she murmured. "Jonathan... and everything else we've uncovered.

nothing. His eyes remained on her, hollow

and

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

sighed, resting his hands on his hips as he looked

take care of her-" Mint began, but before

breaking with fear. "Please! I didn't see

She darted her gaze between Slater and Hugo, then

a criminal or something?" she asked, pointing at herself. Cassandra swallowed

Mint," Slater muttered, rolling his eyes. "I'm done for the night. James keeps nagging me about my eye

deal with the situation. He had zero patience for consoling Cassandra-especially when he didn't even like

trembling eyes flicked back and

resting his arms casually over his knees. He gave her a warm, almost

Cassandra blinked, her entire body shivering.

vel

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

not a bad person. It just takes time-and a hard reset in his

brows with a

and your friend have a battle to fight. Focus on that. And if saving yourself isn't enough motivation... then

gaze darkened, his voice low and edged with

it up... for her-

mouth shut, silently wondering, Shouldn't I be the one

undercurrent of his words. Though his smile