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 for

Atlas paused and looked down at Cassandra. "Run your mouth to clear your

his cold, piercing gaze. She held her breath until

squeezed Zoren's hand

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

remained on

another word, he nodded and let her guide him

those who remained behind were Mint, Slater, Hugo, and

his hands on his hips as he looked down at Cassandra. "Why

her-" Mint began, but before

don't kill me!" she cried, her voice breaking with fear. "Please! I didn't see

confused. She darted her gaze between Slater and

she asked, pointing

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

Mint to deal with the situation. He had zero

flicked back and forth between Mint and

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

Cassandra blinked, her entire body shivering. "Home...

vel

Hugo chuckled softly, then held out his hand to her. His smile was gentle, more considerate now, understanding

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

his brows

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

darkened, his voice low and edged

screw it up...

I be the one handling this? Why's he pulling

words. Though his smile