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

Cassie quickly disengaged from Marcus’s embrace. “Sorry, I did realize we had an audience.”

“Your grades are impressive,” Marcus commented.

“Eh, they’re just okay, nothing to write home about. I’ve got to jej dinner’s waiting.” she said, casting a quick look at the bystanders. Cassie was eager to avoid becoming the subject of gossip concerning her and Marcus.

Marcus didn’t try to stop her. He thought to himself, “What’s so great about the stuffed chicken that she’s in such a rush?” “Mr. Anderson,” Aaron said as he came down from the upper floor with a crowd in tow.

“Alright, that’s all for today, Marcus said, the warmth in his voice turning as cold as a block of ice. With that, he turned on his heel and walked off

Aaron hurried to catch up, “Mr. Anderson, regarding the investment for the new campus-

“First, sort out the ethical mess with your faculty, Marcus said, his face a mask of indifference. As Marcus walked away. Aaron fumed and snapped. “Where’s Donald? Get him over here now!”

Cassie wasn’t about to spill her school drama to her family. For one, it was a minor hiccup she could handle on her own. Plus, she knew her family would be crushed if they found out about the bullying. No need to pile on more worry.

“Ms. Murphy, everyone at school’s talking about you. Is something up? Larry asked.

Cassie flashed a bright smile. “It’s because I aced the big exam–top of the class, perfect scores in four subjects, and almost perfect in two.”

Larry did a double–take. “You’re kidding me, right?”

Cassie grinned. “What, you didn’t think I had it in me?”

Larry stuttered, “No, no. I didn’t mean that at all. I mean, you’re Mr. Heston Murphy’s granddaughter, of course you’re a genius!”

Larry, usually as steady as a rock, was clearly flustered, which amused Cassie. “Just messing with you. I really did come out on top this time.”

“Bravo, Ms. Murphy Larry said, his face lighting up with genuine joy. “Mr. Heston Murphy will be thrilled to hear the news.” “Larry” Cassie said with a sly smile, “now that I’ve suddenly scored so high, you’re not thinking I cheated, are you?

“Nope. Even if you’d scored zero, I’d know you’d never stoop to cheating, Larry said with firm conviction.

Cassie was so touched by his support,

As the car pulled up to the Murphy residence, Louisa rushed out to greet her. “Ms. Murphy, where have you been? You’re later than usual”

“What’s up?” Cassie asked as she noticed the empty spot where the slippers should have been. “Did Mom and Dad get back?” Louisa nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, and Julia’s here with her tutor.”

Cassie shrugged it off as she slipped out of her shoes. Figures. She never could stay out of trouble for long, she thought.

Louisa, taking Cassie’s backpack, added in a hushed voice, “I noticed Mr. Heston Murphy seemed troubled, and Mr. Lucas Murphy and Mrs. Murphy didn’t look quite right either.”

Cassie brushed it off with a grin. “Don’t worry about it. Go grab my stuffed chicken, please

Louisa seemed reassured by Cassie’s upbeat mood and called out, “Ms. Murphy’s home!

“Cassie, Julia rushed over before Cassie could even step into the living room.

“What brings you here? Cassie asked.

Julia bristled, feeling a pang of irritation. What kind of question is that? This is my home too, she thought.

“I heard you got busted for cheating and are in hot water,” Julia announced, making sure everyone heard.

“Who told you that?” Cassie inquired, continuing her way inside.

“It’s all over the school group chat, Julia replied. “I accidentally let it slip to Grandpa. He’s pretty upset, but he’s got a soft spot for you. If you just own up and promise not to do it again, he’ll get over it. Don’t be so stubborn.”

Julia, did you only see the part about me cheating? Miss what came after?” Cassie asked.

Julia paused, her face a mask of confusion. “What came after?”

Cassie pretended to think for a moment. “Oh, right. Mr. Zachary shut down all the gossip about it after that.”

Julia stared at Cassie, completely baffled. ‘She’s cheated so obviously, and yet she acts like nothing’s wrong, she thought.

“Cassie Heston’s voice echoed from the living room.

Cassie, ignoring Julia, walked straight over. “Grandpa.”

“Julia said you got caught cheating at school!” Heston asked. “Your dad even tried to reach Mr. Gaiman but couldn’t get through

“He probably didn’t dare to. Cassie replied with a nonchalant shrug.

“Cassie, are you seriously threatening teachers now? Julia shouted, her voice dripped with disbelief. “Cheating was bad enough, but this is a whole new level. Everyone’s buzzing about the incident with the parent you slapped. It’s the big topic of conversation, and people are saying you’re just flaunting your status because of the Murphy Group connections”

“Did you really slap a parent?” Heston’s eyes widened in disbelief

“Julia, you’ve let the cat out of the bag again. Cassie glanced at Julia, her tone neutral.

Julia quickly covered her mouth, her face a picture of panic. “I–I’ve been cooped up at home too long. I didn’t mean to spill the beans, Cassie.”

“You know whether you meant it or not Cassie told her, then turned to Heston, “Grandpa, I swear I didn’t cheat

Heston’s stern expression softened, his skepticism fading as he looked at Cassie’s earnest face. “So, it’s all just gossip then?”

“Don’t try to sweep it under the rug, Cassie, Julia interjected, her worry evident. “I’ve talked to your classmates. You aced four out of six subjects and nearly got perfect scores in the others. That’s not exactly normal.

“For you, maybe not, Cassie retorted with a smirk.

Julia was left momentarily at a loss for words.

“What’s the real deal? Did you really ace those tests like everyone’s saying?” Lucas asked, serious as ever. He was usually al softer with Cassie, but when it came to rules, he was much tougher than Heston.

“I really did score that high. Cassie confirmed with a nod

Julia nearly burst out laughing, thinking, ‘Cassie’s cluelessness is too much. Does she seriously think anyone’s buying that?

“Cassie.” Lucas said, his brow furrowed. “We know you’re feeling the pressure to keep up the family name, but we’re not expecting miracles. We just want you to be healthy and happy.”

Cassie didn’t say a word. Instead, she pulled out her phone and made a call.

“Cassie, what are you doing? Lucas is talking to you, Julia said, still trying to fan the flames.

Cassie paid no mind to her, swiftly getting her call connected.