The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 463

The basement echoed with Cassie's triumphant, crazed laughter. "Father, did you really think I was being kind to Laura out of the goodness of my heart? I was lowering your guard! If I hadn't pretended to care about her, how else could I have arranged for all these people to be around her?

"Father, aside from Sheldon, who still foolishly clings to you, everyone else at Holden Residence follows my orders now."

Grinning, Cassie twirled in place, the hem of her red wedding dress fanning out as she danced. "I played the role of the gentle, kind, considerate sister-in-law for long enough. I've been sick of it for years. Finally, I don't have to pretend anymore. Everything is going exactly as I planned."

"Cassie, you're insane! How could you do this?" Charles' voice trembled with rage, but he was held firmly in place by Cassie's men, unable to move. "Do you even realize what you're doing? This is beyond unforgivable. Aren't you afraid of the consequences?"

Cassie tilted her head, her expression mockingly innocent. "Father, what are you saying? I'm your beloved daughter. How could you curse me like that?

"I just love my brother; what's wrong with that? Didn't you love my mother? It's just the same—a woman loving a man, a man loving a woman. What's the difference?"

"He's your brother! Your biological brother!" Charles' voice roared with fury. "This is my fault. I trusted you too much, letting my guard down. I never imagined you harbored such disgusting thoughts."

"What's so disgusting about it?" Cassie's lips curled in defiance. "Father, you're biased."

"You drugged your own brother! Do you have no shame? Are you even human?" Charles' fury deepened. "Cassie, there are countless men in the world. Why must it be your own brother?

"Even if it costs me my life, I will never allow you to harm Laura. And I will never allow you and Wesley to be together. If you still see me as your father, if you still care about this family, then you will not lay a hand on your brother.

"Cassie, I'm begging you. Don't hurt Laura. Don't commit this atrocity with your brother. If you go through with this, how will I ever face your mother in the afterlife?"

His voice cracked, his eyes red with sorrow. He no longer shouted, no longer cursed her. He pleaded now. "Cassie, please. I'm begging you. There's still time to turn back. As long as you don't harm Wesley and Laura, I will pretend none of this ever happened. We can still be a family. Please."

Tears welled in his eyes. "Cassie, you're a good child. I've always believed that; you've always been a good child."

Cassie let out a mocking laugh. "Father, spare me the sentiment. Don't call me a 'good daughter.' I have no interest in playing that role. I'd rather be the villain.

"Laura can forget about spending a lifetime in wedded bliss with my brother. But I'm not completely heartless. I could give you all one last chance."

Her laughter grew lighter, as if she were amused by her own words. Clapping her hands together, she said, "If Laura is willing to drink the medicine I give her, then I'll let you all go. Father, since you care so much about her, I'm curious—will she sacrifice herself for you?

"Cassie, you're insane! You're completely deranged!"

"So what if I am?" Cassie shrugged, unbothered. "I don't care. As long as I get what I want, that's all that matters.

"Let's make a bet, Father. If Laura drinks the medicine, I'll let you go. But if she refuses, then you will stop interfering in my relationship with my brother."

"Fine." Charles gritted his teeth. "But if you lose, you will leave the Holden family. You will never set foot in this house again without my permission."

"Deal." Cassie's eyes gleamed with confidence. "I refuse to believe Laura would willingly throw her life away for any of you. Father, sit tight and watch the show. Wait for me. I'll personally bring you and my brother up myself."

She turned and walked out of the basement, her laughter echoing behind her.

Charles' heart pounded anxiously. He was terrified that Cassie had truly lost all reason—that she would do the unthinkable to her own brother.