The Returned Heiress Who Had It All (Cassia) novel Chapter 173

Brie was the daughter of a friend he’d lost long ago, and he’d promised that friend to treat her like his own daughter.

But with the surveillance footage right there for everyone to see, and his years of experience in the business world, there was no way Brie’s tears alone could wipe away all of Vance’s doubts.

Still, Vance suspected Cassia a little more.

“Since there’s footage, there must be video of Cassia damaging the piano too. Once we pull up the tapes, let’s see what else that girl has to say!”

When Brie heard that, panic washed over her, and her tears started to fall even harder.

“Dad, please don’t check the footage… It wasn’t me. I swear…”

In the video, all Cassia did was press a single key. She hadn’t done anything else to the piano.

Seeing Brie cry, Danica hurried to comfort her. “Don’t cry, Brie, it’s not your fault! You didn’t

mean to…”

“Yeah, Vance, that’s enough already. Can’t you see your Brie is upset?”

Victoria saw her proud granddaughter crying and immediately lost any suspicion she had toward Brie. She gave Vance a stern look and reached out to pat Brie’s back.

“You silly child, how could we not believe you? Grandma watched you grow up. I know what kind of person you are.”

“That’s right!” Vance had to agree. Brie had always been his pride; there was no reason she’d do something that stupid.

But now that the club wasn’t going to pursue it, it didn’t matter anymore who really broke the piano.

With that in mind, he deleted the footage in front of everyone and reassured Brie. “Whoever tried to stir up trouble between us–if I ever find out, I’ll make them pay!”

Vance spoke angrily, and without thinking, he glanced up at Cassia’s bedroom door.

Victoria looked upstairs too, her brows deeply furrowed, her eyes half–closed, her face tense with anger, but she said nothing.

1/3

9:20 Tue, Jan 20

Chapter 173 It Wasn’t Me

96

+30 Free Coins

Meanwhile, Geneva was lost in her own thoughts. If it wasn’t Cassia, or Brie, or even Danica, then who had broken the piano?

Soon, it was Saturday. The weather was bright and sunny. The sun shone over everything. After several consecutive chilly days, the air finally felt warm.

Cassia threw on a casual down jacket and decided to go out for a walk.

That morning, she ran two laps around the park as usual, then strolled in the direction of the Lennox.

Passing by a shopping mall, she noticed a commotion at the entrance.

“Let

go

of me!” A girl about Cassia’s age struggled desperately.

The man grabbing her ignored her efforts, spitting as he yelled, “Go ahead and scream! If you don’t shut up, I’ll hit you! Your dad lost you to me at the tables. Starting today, you belong to me! Whatever I tell you to do, you do it. So you’d better behave!”

Terrified, the girl stopped struggling so much, sobbing uncontrollably.

“My dad owes you money, not me. If you want something, go after him…”

“Damn it! You’re nothing but skin and bones. If your dad had any money left, I would’ve squeezed him dry instead of bothering with you!”

The man bared his yellow teeth, roughly pulling at her shirt until it nearly slipped off her shoulder.

“Please let me go! I… I can work to pay the money back for him…” The girl pleaded, sobbing.

“You think I’m stupid? You’re just a student, how much could you earn? Here’s the deal–be my girlfriend for a year, and I’ll let you go! I always keep my word!” He yanked her toward a nearby van.

“No… please… Jackson, I’m begging you, let me go…”

A crowd gathered at the entrance, but no one stepped in to help the girl.

As Cassia got closer, she frowned. This Jackson guy looked somewhat familiar.

She soon realized he was the same man who’d stepped on her skirt at the gemstone market.

2/3

9:20 Tue, Jan 20

Chapter 173 It Wasn’t Me

Cassia wasn’t the type to meddle in other people’s business.

$30 Free Coins

She wasn’t heartless by nature. But ever since her family abandoned her, and after so many years of disappointment, she’d long since stopped expecting warmth from the world.

The world had never treated her kindly, so why should she be kind to it?

Just as Cassia was about to walk past the commotion, a boy broke through the crowd.

“Let her go!”

His voice sounded familiar, loud and full of youthful energy. Cassia looked over with interest.

It was Ethan.

Cassia stopped in her tracks.

Sterling’s brother?

What is he doing here?

“Kid, what are you, still in middle school? Trying to play the hero?”

The man–Jackson Reaves–looked at Ethan with disdain.

Jackson’s words made Ethan nervous, but he stood his ground, chest out.

9:20 Tue, Jan 20