Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1640

Chapter 1640: What’s wrong now?

"Don’t worry. I’m not talking to my sister, but my contact. What I’m saying is the CEO of Prime Group—the only place that can protect you two at this point."

Cassandra and Kiara furrowed their brows as they exchanged a brief look before setting their eyes back on the siblings.

"And if there’s one thing I know about her, it’s that... she rarely says no to money." Hugo flashed Penny a bright smile. "Right?"

Penny deadpanned. "What makes you think this isn’t one of those rare times?"

"Because I’m giving a third of my salary until I make sure they’re not in danger anymore?"

"..." Penny was unhappy, and it showed on her face.

’I don’t like Cassandra, but not to the point I want her to get locked up for a crime I’m sure she didn’t commit,’ she thought, massaging her temple. ’And I’m not even tempted by Second Brother’s offer.’

Another huff escaped her, and she snapped her eyes up at Hugo. "Second Brother, come with me."

"I’m not getting beaten up privately," Hugo remarked but still pushed himself up.

Before they left, Penny looked back at Kiara and Cassandra.

"There are rooms at the end of that wing," Penny pointed in the opposite direction from the ladies. "Stay there tonight. I’ll have to think about Second Brother’s offer, and I don’t think you two will ever get sleep if I don’t stop you here. He will drag you to every house he knows."

Hugo grinned and nodded, as if what his sister said was a compliment.

"There are no in-house helpers, so help yourself," she added before slowly turning, casting Hugo a quick look. "Stop grinning."

"Hehe." Hugo chuckled, casting the two ladies a look. "I’ll take it from here. I’ll convince her, so you guys should rest."

With that, he followed Penny where she was headed.

Meanwhile, Cassandra and Kiara remained seated on the long couch, eyes on the siblings. When the Bennets were out of sight, Kiara slowly turned to Cassandra.

"Cassy," she smiled. "I guess we’re safe tonight."

Cassandra forced a smile and looked back at her. Meeting Kiara’s eyes, she nodded.

"Let’s go," Kiara urged, holding Cassandra’s arm as she rose from her seat.

Keeping Cassandra’s arm, Kiara navigated her way in the direction Penny had given them. Sure enough, they found a few empty rooms where they could stay for the night.

They had the option of separate rooms, but with Cassandra’s experience, Kiara thought they should just share a bedroom. Since the three of them had left Kiara’s place almost right after Hugo told them about the dangers lurking in the shadows, they took the liberty to shower and relax for a bit.

"I feel terrible that I’m enjoying this," Kiara whispered, dipping into the tub filled with hot water. She hugged her knees, cocked her head back, eyes closed.

After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

"..." Her lips were drawn into a thin line, recalling everything they had experienced for the day—not just tonight.

This day felt particularly long.

Even when days shared the same time as the previous ones, this one felt longer than usual.

First, Cassandra got out of prison, then dinner with Grace and Hugo, and when she thought it was over, Hugo casually said, "Nope. It’s not over yet."

The moment Cassandra felt Kiara’s presence beside her, she glanced at her. "You’re done?"

"Shouldn’t you say, ’Took you forever?’" Kiara quipped. "I took quite a long time, didn’t I?"

"..." Cassandra pressed her lips together, smiling but failing.

"What is it?" Kiara asked. "Something bothering you?"

"..." Cassandra shrugged, pulling her legs up until her chin was resting on her knees. "I just can’t believe I’m not spending the night in my cell. Feels like a dream, to be honest."

Kiara chuckled, leaning her side against her friend. "You shouldn’t have been in that place to begin with."

"I know," Cassandra whispered. "But don’t I really deserve to be?"

"Hmm?"

Slowly, Kiara pulled away and gave her a confused look.

Cassandra smiled bitterly before she sighed, smacking her lips as she looked back at her friend. Still forcing a smile (and still failing), she huffed.

"I’ll just go take a shower," she muttered. "I’m fine. I should be."

With that, Cassandra weakly placed a hand on the floor and pushed herself up. Meanwhile, Kiara watched her friend walk to the bathroom, still seated at the door.

The second the door closed, worry filled Kiara’s eyes.

"Cassy," she whispered. "What’s wrong now?"