Reborn In Flames: The Heiress' Revenge Novel by Amos House

“What?” Teresa exploded. “You want Jennie to drop out? Do you even know my husband is a board member here?”

“So what?” Cassie stared straight at Teresa. “What does that have to do with the options I gave you?”

Teresa was speechless. Her husband being a board member might intimidate some people, but obviously, it meant nothing to Ca**ic.

Many in the office looked at Cassie, puzzled. ‘Cassie used to be an easy target and often struggled to get a word out, but today, she is completely different. Challenging the elites and defending a “lowly” girl? That seems so beneath her!”

“Madam, we need to get back to class. Have you made up your mind yet?” Cassie’s impatience was evident after waiting for no response.

“Ms. Murphy, do you have any idea how much two million is for families like theirs? Clare finally spoke up. “That’s way too much. How about we each offer 150 thousand…”

“Do you think this is a negotiation?” Cassie interrupted coldly.

Clare went pale instantly.

“It looks like you two can’t part with just one million dollars. Then let’s help Jennie and Brianna drop out,” Cassie said, standing up and preparing to leave with Sheryl and Maria.

Wait Teresa stepped in front of Cassie, blocking her way. “It’s just one million, right? I’ll pay,”

With the SATs looming and negative news swirling around, Teresa couldn’t let Jennie get expelled right now.

“Don’t forget the apology and guarantee, Cassie reminded.

“Fine!” Teresa gritted her teeth, agreeing reluctantly.

“And you?” Cassie turned her gaze to Clare.

Seeing Teresa backing down, Clare, though hesitant about giving up the money, eventually caved in.

“Alright, everything-money, apology, and guarantee-must be ready before school ends this afternoon, Cassie said and, not wasting another second, led Sheryl and Maria out of the president’s office.

“B**h!” Teresa fumed. “How dare she make me bow to a poor person like that. I can’t stand this humiliation.”

“You’re close with Anne, right? Call her and tell her this. Cassie’s too arrogant just because Heston dotes on her. She even hit you, Clare added, eager to stir the pot.

“Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Gaiman, I’d advise you to calm down, Aaron interjected hesitantly.

Teresa shot him a furious glare. “Shut up. If it weren’t for your uselessness, I wouldn’t be humiliated like this.”

Aaron’s face darkened. He’d never been addressed like that before. Gathering his courage, he said bluntly. “Mrs. Gaiman, you probably don’t know….

“Cassie has been bullied here for a long time because of Jennie and Brianna. They’ve dumped trash on her desk, put worms. in her food, and even pushed her into the school fountain in the winter.”

“That’s impossible! Teresa gasped, cutting him off.

“Don’t spread lies and frame us! Clare shouted as well.

Dealing with a poor kid was one thing-money could easily silence them. But bullying someone like Cassie? The two wealthy women exchanged glances, both feeling a wave of dread wash over them.

“You can ask your daughters yourselves. I suggest you two go back and check if there’s any footage of your daughters bullying Cassie, Aaron said seriously.

The two women went paler. If there were videos of their daughters bullying Cassie, and they were leaked along with that of Sheryl getting picked on….

“I enrolled my daughter at your school expecting you to actually teach her something. What have you taught her, you idiots?” Teresa shouted at Aaron, her face flushed with anger. Then, in a huff, she stormed out.

Sheryl explained everything that had just happened to Maria using sign language. Maria’s eyes were red and puffy from crying, and she kept bowing repeatedly to thank Cassie.

“Cassie, thank you so much, Sheryl said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Cassie’s expression stayed calm. “You were the one who slipped me that note about being careful after school last Christmas, right?”

Sheryl looked down, feeling ashamed. “I’m sorry. I… I was scared of them. I overheard their plan to hire some thugs to bully you, but I didn’t dare to tell you directly, so…”

“You helped me that day. This is my way of paying you back, Cassie said.

Sheryl bit her lip. “Cassie, I’m happy just to stay in school. That two million dollars…”

Cassie cut her off. “Sheryl, if someone hits you, remember to fight back. Putting up with bullies won’t make your better. That money is for all the insults you’ve put up with over the last three years, and you deserve it. Plus, do you really think the Jones and Caiman families will just let you two go?”

Tife any

Sheryl froze, realizing Cassie’s words hit home.

Noting how Sheryl’s face went pale, Cassie continued, “Stop being so naive. In the face of evil, your pride and dignity won’t hold up.

Sheryl was shocked into silence.

I’ve arranged for someone to wait for you at the side entrance. Until you find a safe place, he’ll make sure you two have a secure spot to stay,” Cassie said softly.

Sheryl squeezed Maria’s trembling hand tightly. She didn’t care what happened to her, but she didn’t want Maria to suffer because of her. “Thank you. I’ll repay you, Sheryl said solemnly

“Got it,” Cassie replied, glancing at the tearful Maria before breaking into a gentle smile. “I’m heading to class now. See you later.”

Sheryl translated for Maria quickly, who waved her hands to Cassie, Cassie didn’t say anything else and went back to class.

Later that afternoon, Sheryl, Jennie, and Brianna all returned to school. Despite having grievances, the two apologized to Sheryl and wrote a promise that they wouldn’t bully her again. Sheryl stayed silent, just took the money, and walked away.

“Look how arrogant she is! Jennie fumed, stomping her feet.

“What’s the anger? She’s got the money, but she better make sure she stays alive to spend it!” Teresa glared at Sheryl’s retreating figure, gritting her teeth.

And that Cassie! No one has ever dared to hit me! I’ll definitely not let this slide! But for now, I need to hold back for the sake of maintaining the partnership with Murphy Group, Teresa thought.

Coincidently, as Teresa and Jennie were coming down the stairs, they ran into Cassie just as she was getting into her car.

“Cassie!” Teresa called out, forcing a bright smile.

Cassie glanced over. Teresa hurried over, her left cheek still swollen, even under thick makeup.

Cassie watched her, feeling a twinge of regret. ‘Maybe I didn’t need to be that harsh…

“Need something” Cassie asked, her tone cold and distant.

“Can I have some words with you? Let’s go there. Teresa shot a glance at the watchful Larry beside Cassie. She had heard her husband mention him before-this guy had a real reputation for being ruthless.

Cassie followed her to the side.

‘Come here!” Teresa pulled Jennie closer to Cassie, despite that Jennie’s face was all about reluctance.

“Cassie, I’ve just learned about some misunderstandings between you and Jennie. Kids can be mischievous, but Annie really took it too far. This is all Brianna’s fault-she’s full of trouble. If it weren’t for her encouraging Annie wouldn’t have acted like that, Teresa explained hastily.

Cassie lowered her head and chuckled. “Mischievous, huh?”

Suddenly, Teresa felt a chill run down her spine. The smile on her face faltered a bit.

Thope you don’t mind if I have a little fun with Jennie like that? Cassie asked casually.

Teresa had never met someone so stubborn. She was trying to be nice and accommodating, but how could Cassie be so confrontational?

“I know Annie made things hard for you. That’s why I brought her here to apologize. Teresa pressed on. “Annie, hurry up and say you’re sorry!”

Jennie’s face turned gloomy. She didn’t think she’d done anything wrong at all. “Cassie, I’m sorry. I won’t bully you again,” she muttered, clearly unhappy about it.

“You think you’re off the h**k just like that?” Cassie sneered.

Jennie was already on edge today, and Cassie’s mockery lit a fire in her. “Cassie, don’t push your luck! I said I’m sorry. What more do you want?”

“Is that how a person who apologizes acts?” Marcus stepped out of the elevator, surrounded by school board members. Cassie heard the familiar voice and turned over, spotting Marcus instantly. It was hard to ignore someone so dazzling like Marcus-tall, strikingly handsome, exuding an air of authority..

“Who are you? This is none of your business!” Jennie snapped, irritated. But when she got a good look at Marcus’ face, she froze in her tracks

You brat, watch your attitude, shouted Allen, Jennie’s father and one of the school board members. He rushed over and slapped Jennie across the face, leaving her completely stunned.

Mr. Anderson, Jennie is young and spoiled. Please don’t take what she said seriously. I’ll make sure she learns her lesson when we get home, Allen added, trying to smooth things over.

Marcus didn’t even glance at him. He took a few steps forward until he stood in front of Cassie. She felt small next to to him, as if his presence completely overshadowed her.