The Returned Heiress Who Had It All (Cassia) novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106 The Queen Comes

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Though Geneva never cared about showing off, living among the Woods made competition inevitable. Every move, every word, every child became part of the unspoken rivalry.

And tonight was no exception.

Victoria and Vance would never let that wild girl ruin the picture–perfect evening.

“Actually, this is partly our fault,” Brie said softly, stepping forward when she noticed her grandmother’s discomfort. Her voice carried warmth and composure. “Cassia came home after her own birthday, so we missed celebrating it. I think she’s upset because we threw one for me and not for her.”

Brie’s tone was gentle, her smile graceful. “Grandma really cares about Cassia. When she was sick, Grandma personally gave her medicine. To cheer her up, I’ll share half my gifts with her. We couldn’t celebrate her birthday this year, but next year, we’ll make it special.”

Her words landed like music. Compliments started flowing from every corner of the room.

Vance nodded. At least this one isn’t wasted effort.

“She’s such a generous girl.”

“She’s more than generous. She’s kind. Cassia could learn a thing or two from her.”

“I just don’t understand Cassia. She’s beautiful. If she’d just act right, people would adore her.”

“That’s exactly it.”

The chatter filled the air, all praise for Brie and pity for Cassia. But then, the noise died down A hush fell over the hall.

Cassia appeared at the top of the staircase.

She wore a floor–length gown in the shade of pale moonlight. It hugged her frame perfectly, elegant yet commanding. Her tall silhouette moved with quiet grace, and her skin glowed under the chandelier like porcelain kissed by candlelight.

Her hair was swept up high, and a silver crown lined with pearls rested atop it, catching every gleam of light. The gems sparkled, casting faint reflections across the crowd.

Her eyes were cool, almost detached, yet full of life. They swept over the guests below like sh was measuring every one of them.

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Chapter 106 The Queen Comes

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She stood there, calm and radiant, like a queen stepping down from her throne to meet her subjects.

Cassia wore only a whisper of makeup. Her skin looked luminous and untouched, her brows shaped perfectly around her sharp eyes. Her nose was fine, and her lips held a natural tint that made her look effortlessly radiant.

Even with makeup, she looked nothing like Brie, whose face gleamed under layers of powder and glitter.

The moment Cassia entered, the crowd froze. Heads tilted upward as every eye followed her. She drew attention the way light catches glass.

Brie felt her chest tighten. She had spent hours that morning getting ready, blending and curling, but standing next to Cassia made all of it look cheap.

Every stare that had been on her was now fixed on Cassia.

Rage surged inside her.

Then it hit her. Where was Kaleb?

She turned and saw him. His gaze was locked on Cassia, unblinking, almost hungry.

His eyes burned with admiration. It wasn’t subtle.

Brie saw everything.

Jealousy tore through Brie like fire in her veins.

Kaleb couldn’t help himself. Cassia was flawless. Her beauty wasn’t delicate–it was commanding. Her presence filled the room until nothing else existed.

His pulse quickened with something he didn’t dare name. It wasn’t love, but it was close enough to hurt. He told himself it was natural. Anyone would look twice at her.

She was art.

But Kaleb still believed Brie was the practical choice.

He had charm. She had ambition. That’s what made her safe.

Still, compared to Cassia, Brie’s beauty seemed dull.

What a waste, he thought. If Cassia weren’t such a disappointment, if she weren’t so defiant, he never

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Chapter 106 The Queen Comes

would have settled for Brie.

The crowd couldn’t stop staring.

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That girl had to be the eldest daughter of the Woods–the mysterious one who never showed

her face.

Victoria snapped out of her daze first. Her face tensed, but she forced a warm, grandmotherly smile as she walked forward.

“Feeling better, dear?” Her tone was sweet but tight.

Then her voice dropped, sharp as glass. “You shouldn’t have come down here!”

She caught herself almost instantly. Cassia was dangerous when provoked.

Victoria forced a softer tone. “I mean, why are you dressed like this?”

Cassia rested her hand on the railing, one brow arching. Her confidence rolled off her like heat.

“It’s Brie’s birthday,” she said coolly. “What else should I wear? Were you expecting me to come down in sweats?”

Victoria’s face changed color again and again–red, pale, flushed–like lights flickering under

pressure.

This girl could drive her insane with a single word.

Even standing still, she was infuriating.

“Don’t forget whose birthday this is,” Victoria hissed under her breath, barely holding herself together. “You’re stealing her moment. Don’t start drama in front of the guests.” Then she smoothed her features, turned her voice warm again, and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “If you’re not feeling well, darling, you should catch up with some rest. We’ll bring some cake to you later.”

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