The Returned Heiress Who Had It All (Cassia) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Shocking Broadcast

Cassia walked back into the classroom at her slow pace. The moment she stepped inside, the room went silent.

Sacha rushed over, worry written all over her face. “Cassia, what happened? Why did Mr. Bell call

you in?”

Cassia shrugged. “Nothing.”

She never liked explaining herself. Explaining always felt like covering something up.

Sacha let out a breath. “Okay, as long as you’re fine.”

But the rest of the class didn’t believe that at all. In their minds, if Harold called you in, it had to be something bad. Maybe Cassia was getting kicked out and just didn’t want to admit it.

Danica thought the same thing.

Finally, she wouldn’t have to share a class with that bumpkin. She felt thrilled.

Tyne leaned close and whispered in Danica’s ear, “Hey, what do you think is going on now?”

“What else could it be? She’s definitely getting sent home.” Danica snorted.

The others kept guessing and gossiping. Cassia didn’t care. Wherever she went, people talked about her anyway. She was used to it.

Just as the chatter grew louder, the school speakers suddenly crackled on.

Everyone was curious. Why a broadcast now?

Did something happen?

The classroom fell silent as everyone listened closely.

Then a familiar but stiff voice came through, “Hello, students, we need to clear something up today. I would like to apologize to a student…”

Everyone froze. They held their breath and leaned in, afraid to miss a single word.

It didn’t take long for someone to recognize the voice. “It’s Selena,” a student whispered. The honors–class homeroom teacher.

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The one who always acted like she lived above everyone else.

She was the last person anyone expected to hear apologizing over the school speakers.

After a short pause, Selena continued.

“All 12th graders know that Ms. Cassia Wood earned the top score in the entire grade on the last exam. Like many others, I was shocked and suspected she cheated. I was wrong. Ms. Wood did not cheat. She earned her score on her own. I hope everyone can learn from Ms. Wood and do well on your exams.”

Only Selena knew how hard it was for her to say all of that out loud.

The moment her message ended, the classroom exploded. Everyone stared at each other, stunned. No one had expected that ending.

Cassia didn’t cheat. The teachers already made a public announcement, so there was no way it was wrong.

Which meant Cassia’s score was real.

She wasn’t a failure. She was a top student. A real one.

And that truth hit everyone hard.

Cassia sat quietly, her eyes drifting toward the window as if the girl mentioned in the announcement wasn’t her at all. Still, this apology was strange.

It was long and stiff, and not once did Selena mention she was sorry.

It didn’t even sound like an apology–more like a forced explanation she had no choice but to make.

Cassia let out a cold laugh. She finally saw everyone’s true colors.

Most students were surprised, but Brie was completely shaken.

Selena’s announcement crushed every bit of confidence she had left.

Brie knew the teacher wouldn’t say something like that unless everything had been fully investigated.

Which meant Cassia really was better than her.

Cassia had scored full marks in every subject, something Brie had never achieved.

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Ever since the broadcast, Brie had sat frozen in her seat, unable to move.

Her mood had dropped straight to the bottom.

When school finally ended, Danica grabbed Brie’s hand. When she seemed so upset, it made Danica uncomfortable too.

“Brie, don’t be sad,” Danica comforted softly. “Cassia probably just got lucky this time.”

But Brie couldn’t shake the fear building inside her. She was an adopted daughter. If everyone learned how talented Cassia really was, they might start liking her more.

Brie had lived the life of a pampered heiress. She had warmth, love, attention. She couldn’t imagine losing it.

“Danica, can we please not talk about grades when we get home?” Brie whispered.

Danica heard how shaky her voice was and quickly nodded. “Okay. I won’t bring it up.”

When they arrived home, Geneva was waiting in the living room. The moment she saw them, she smiled warmly. “Baby, you’re home! Sit down, hurry. I asked the kitchen to make a drink for you two.”

Brie and Danica shared a quick look, then forced smiles and set down their bags.

Geneva brought out the dessert soup. While they ate, she asked, “Did Cassia not come home with you?”

Danica frowned instantly. “Mom, don’t bring her up. That’s annoying. She’s grown–she won’t get lost.” Her tone was sharp, restless, and full of impatience.