The Returned Heiress Who Had It All (Cassia) novel Chapter 1

A black luxury sedan slowly pulled away from the orphanage.
Cassia Wood sat quietly in the back seat, head lowered, scrolling on her phone. Her face was calm, distant.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message. "Boss, got any new plans? The guys miss you."
Cassia's slender fingers tapped on the screen. "I've left the orphanage. If you need me, come to Zrario. I'm taking a break for now."
Her underling pressed, "Zrario? Boss, what's there? You got a big job there or something?"
"No," she typed back. "I'm going home."
The person on the other end was astounded. "Wait—what? You're kidding, right? You're an orphan! You grew up in the orphanage! How do you have a home to go back to?"
Cassia didn't reply. She slipped the phone into her pocket and looked out the window.
The car was quiet, almost too quiet. Geneva, the woman sitting beside her, was still emotional. She had seen Cassia texting earlier and hadn't wanted to interrupt. Now that Cassia seemed free, she decided to explain a bit about the family to mentally prepared Cassia.
She reached out and gently took Cassia's hand. But Cassia pulled away instantly, almost by reflex. She saw the hurt in Geneva's eyes and murmured, "Sorry. I'm not used to being touched."
"That's okay, sweetheart." Geneva smiled softly. "I just wanted to tell you that you have two older brothers and two younger sisters. When we get home, everyone will love you." The car filled again with Geneva's gentle voice.
By the time they neared their destination, Cassia had a rough idea of what kind of family she was returning to. Honestly, it sounded complicated.
The Woods was one of the most powerful names in Zrario, equal in influence to the Embers. The Woods were wealthy, respected, and had a long lineage.
The current head of the family, Vance Wood, was the eldest of three brothers.
He had four children already, and now, with Cassia found, that made five.
When Cassia heard that, she was stunned. She glanced at Geneva with a strange look.
Everyone in the Woods was successful—talented, accomplished. Cassia, on the other hand, had grown up struggling to survive, barely able to afford her next meal. She had no fancy education, no bright background. She was quiet and withdrawn. Geneva could tell she carried deep insecurity.
It broke Geneva's heart. She silently vowed to make it up to her. As her mother, she wanted to give Cassia the best of everything she had missed.
...
Zrario's wealthy neighborhood.
By the time they reached home, the sky had turned a soft orange. Geneva stepped out of the car, then opened the door for Cassia.
Cassia got out quietly and took in the view. It was a four-story manor—large, grand, and built like a castle.
The estate stretched wide. The place was huge. Even from the outside, the vintage window carvings and elegant stone walls screamed wealth.
Geneva saw Cassia standing still for a long time. She sighed, thinking the girl was overwhelmed. <i>Poor child. She's probably never seen a place like this before.</i>
"Come on, sweetheart," Geneva said gently.
Cassia followed her into the hall, her face calm and unreadable.
It was dinner time. Everyone except Vance and his eldest son, Aspen Wood, was in the living room.
The place was huge. Every word spoken bounced back in an echo.
The moment they walked in, every pair of eyes turned toward them.
Cassia's expression stayed the same—calm, cold, and impossible to read.
She didn't look around or show the slightest interest in anything inside.
Just then, a lively girl ran toward Geneva and threw herself into her arms.
"Mommy! Where have you been all day? I looked for you everywhere!" She whined playfully, her tone spoiled and sweet.
This was Danica Wood, the youngest child of the family. Born to Geneva, she was the family's little princess—spoiled by everyone but smart and at the top of her class.
Before Geneva could answer, Danica noticed Cassia standing nearby. Her brows scrunched up. She chided arrogantly, "And who's this? Some bumpkin? Are you lost or something? This is my house."
Cassia gave her a brief glance, her blue eyes cool and emotionless. Then she looked at Geneva and asked flatly, "Where's my room? I'd like to rest."
"Humph! A country girl like you thinks you can live in our manor?" Danica's voice rose several pitches, loud enough for everyone in the living room to hear. Heads turned instantly, eyes falling on Cassia.
"Danica, that's rude," Geneva scolded sharply. "This is your sister, Cassia. You will not speak to her like that again. I went out today to bring her home."
Danica's face turned red with fury. She shot Cassia a glare filled with disgust and exploded, "She's not my sister—she's a bumpkin! My sister is Brie!"
She stomped her foot, spun around, and ran off.
Before Geneva could speak again, a cold, commanding voice cut through the air. "Geneva, what on earth is wrong with you? You think you can bring just anyone into this house? And now you've made my precious granddaughter cry!"
Cassia turned toward the voice. At the base of the staircase stood an older woman with silver hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing. Her posture was straight, her presence commanding. A necklace of vivid green emeralds gleamed against her neck, and her burgundy suit gave her a look of elegance, dignity, and power.
Even standing several steps away, her authority filled the entire room. There was no doubt; she was the oldest member of the Woods.
"Victoria, this is Cassia. I brought her home today," Geneva said softly, holding Cassia's hand as they stepped forward. Her tone carried a hint of nervous respect.
Victoria Wood glanced at them, her sharp eyes cold. "Geneva, you're still too naïve. There are plenty of liars out there. Everyone knows our family's wealthy, and they all want a piece of it. You really think after all these years, a child that young could suddenly be found?"
"Victoria, it's no mistake. With how advanced technology is these days—" Geneva began quickly.
"Hmph. Stubborn and foolish," Victoria snapped before Geneva could finish. She ignored them and walked toward the dining table.
Geneva stood frozen for a moment, embarrassed. Her mother-in-law's harsh words had cut deep—especially in front of Cassia.
She turned to look at Cassia, worried she might be hurt. Cassia's face remained calm and distant, as if none of it mattered to her.
Just then, Vance and Aspen came home. When Vance saw Cassia, he stopped in surprise. The girl was tall and slender, her long hair tied into a simple ponytail. Her skin looked smooth and pale like the snow. Her features were so delicate they almost didn't seem real. Her blue eyes had a quiet power in them that made people uneasy. There was a trace of wild defiance that made her presence strangely intimidating.
She wore a plain shirt tucked carelessly into her jeans, showing long, fair legs. Vance suddenly remembered what Geneva had told him that morning and started to piece things together.
Still, this wasn't what they had discussed.
"Why is she here?" Vance frowned, his tone heavy with impatience.