Chapter Eighty–Eight: Let Her Be.
Two days after the incident between Dreston and Cassienne, Sheila Tremont called Cassienne personally and
invited her to dinner at the Tremont mansion.
Sheila Tremont is Joseph’s younger sister and Dreston’s aunt. She has always held a special place in Cassienne’s heart. She liked Cassienne genuinely, openly, and unapologetically.
It was one of the reasons Cassienne respected her deeply. Unlike many members of the Tremont family, Sheila never treated Cassienne like a temporary addition or an obligation. She had always treated her like family.
That affection, however, was not shared equally by Sheila’s daughters.
Her first daughter, Nora, openly favored Tina. She never hid her dislike for Cassienne, especially after the divorce. In her eyes, Tina was confident, bold, and flashy, everything she believed a Tremont woman should be.
Her second daughter, Jessica, was different. Jessica liked Cassienne. She didn’t dislike Tina either–she simply liked everyone. She floated easily between people, neutral and adaptable, never fully taking sides.
Cassienne arrived at the Tremont mansion just as dusk settled into the evening sky.
If the decision had been entirely hers, she wouldn’t have come.
But Sheila was different. Sheila had shown her real, motherly affection, a warmth that wasn’t forced or conditional. Even though Sheila wasn’t old enough to be her biological mother, Cassienne had always seen her as one. And Cassienne wasn’t going to disrespect someone who had shown her nothing but love.
She stepped out of her car slowly, adjusting her handbag over her shoulder.
The moment she did, she noticed Dreston’s two bodyguards stationed near the entrance. They straightened when they saw her and greeted her respectfully.
“Good evening, ma’am.”
She returned their greeting with a polite nod, but unease curled in her stomach.
So, he’s here.
Cassienne didn’t want drama tonight. Not even a hint of it. She had already had more than enough emotional upheaval for one lifetime.
Without lingering, she walked straight into the mansion.
At the threshold stood Maureen, one of the senior house staff. She was dressed in a well–fitted black skirt suit, her golden hair pulled neatly into a bun. Her posture was elegant, her expression respectful.
“Good evening, Mrs. Tremont,” Maureen said politely. “Please come in. They’re waiting for you.”
Cassienne returned the greeting warmly. “Good evening, Maureen. How are you doing?”
“Very well, ma’am. Please, follow me.”
Cassienne nodded and followed her. Not because she didn’t know her way, but because this was courtesy.
She knew every hallway, every turn, every corner of the Tremont mansion. She had lived here once, long before she married Dreston. Back when she was still quietly finding her place in the world.
When they reached the dining room, Maureen opened the doors for her. The moment Cassienne stepped inside,
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the atmosphere shifted.
Joseph and Abigail turned toward the entrance immediately, warm smiles spreading across their faces. But Sheila and her daughters froze.
Yes–Sheila recognized Cassienne instantly. But what shocked her wasn’t who had walked in. It was how she looked.
This wasn’t the timid, quiet, unassuming woman Sheila remembered. This wasn’t the Cassienne who used to sit quietly, barely speaking unless spoken to.
This woman was different. She looks confident, well composed and radiant.
Cassienne stood in the doorway, her posture straight, her smile small but graceful. She wore a beige turtleneck long–sleeved blouse, neatly tucked into a brown fitted skirt that hugged her frame with understated elegance.
Around her neck lay a strand of pearls, resting perfectly at the base of her throat.
The pearls glowed softly, luminous white against the muted beige of her blouse. Their simplicity made them even more striking, timeless and expensive.
Her black hair was straightened, cascading smoothly down her back. Her polished heels completed the look. Nothing about her appearance was accidental.
Every detail spoke of quiet confidence.
“No way,” Jessica blurted out before she could stop herself. “Is this Cassienne?”
Sheila’s smile widened instantly. Dreston, who had been seated, lifted his head.
The moment his eyes landed on Cassienne, his expression changed. Something unreadable crossed his face, something close to disbelief. But he masked it well.
“Good evening, everyone,” Cassienne greeted calmly.
Sheila stood up immediately and walked toward her, pulling her into a warm hug. Cassienne hugged her back, smiling softly.
When Sheila pulled away, she held Cassienne at arm’s length, studying her face.
“My goodness,” Sheila said warmly. “You’re so beautiful, my dear. I almost didn’t recognize you.
Cassienne’s smile widened. “Thank you, Aunt Sheila. You look amazing as well.”
Sheila waved her off playfully. “Oh, stop. Come, let’s eat.”
She took Cassienne’s hand and led her toward the table, straight to the seat beside Dreston.
As they approached, Dreston stood up silently and pulled out the chair for her.
“Thank you,” Cassienne said politely.
He nodded once and returned to his seat without a word.
Nora rolled her eyes. The special treatment didn’t go unnoticed. Even though she disliked Cassienne, she couldn’t deny how striking she looked.
Finally, dinner began. Conversation flowed easily between Cassienne and Sheila, laughter slipping naturally into their exchange.
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“How are you feeling now?” Joseph asked suddenly.
Cassienne smiled politely. “I’m feeling much better now, Father. You don’t need to worry about me.‘
“I’ll always worry,” Joseph muttered under his breath. “Until you return to your rightful place.”
The words landed heavily in the room, and silence followed immediately.
“Can we eat now?” Abigail cut in quickly, her tone light but firm.
The tension eased as plates were lifted and food was served.
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