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

After Louisa left, Simon pulled out his phone and texted Julia: Does she suspect anything?]

Julia scoffed and replied: [That’s just her. Always putting me down.

Simon glanced at Julia and typed out another message: [If we’re serious about moving forward, we can’t keep putting off what we talked about. Now that we’re all here, you should get the ball rolling I

Julia’s brow creased with worry. She had a hunch that Cassie wasn’t really into Simon. It seemed like a long shot to get her to willingly fall for him. If Simon were to just sleep with Ca**ic, given what Julia knew about Heston and Cassie’s parents, they wouldn’t force Cassie to be with Simon if she wasn’t into it.

As she remembered Cassie’s arrogance earlier and the clear displeasure on Anne and **s faces, resentment welled up in Julia. (No need to rush. She texted back to Simon. Let’s hold off until after the SATS]

Simon was clearly restless. The idea of waiting until after the SATs didn’t sit well with him. With them still weeks away, he texted back: [That’s too long. There are just too many unknowns

[Patience is golden. Trust me on this.] Julia responded. She had already blown one opportunity; this time, she was determined to be strategic

After dinner, Heston and Lucas retreated to the study to talk shop.

Anne sat quietly next to Cassie for a moment. “Cassie, how about we take a stroll? I noticed the roses in bloom this afternoon, and they’re absolutely stunning.”

“Sounds wonderful, Cassie agreed.

The path was peaceful, bathed in the soft light of the street lamps that highlighted the vibrant, passionately blooming roses, with their vivid and bright petals.

“We’re really proud of how well you’re doing in school, Anne said with genuine warmth..

Im sorry for causing you worry before, Cassie replied sincerely. She felt a deep sense of gratitude and owed an apology to Anne and her family for both this life and the past.

Anne looked down, pausing for a moment before inquiring thoughtfully, “Did Julia used to give you a hard time?”

Cassie blinked, taken aback by the question. “Why do you ask that?”

Tjust suddenly have a feeling: Anne said, her eyes meeting Cassie’s.

You all always say we shouldn’t get mixed up in adult stuff, so I’m learning to handle my own problems-Cassie said.

Anne had a lot on her mind, a lot she wanted to ask, but she was hesitant. Their relationship was still tender, and she didn’t want to jeopardize the trust they were building. ‘How could I bring up what Julia has said without making Cassie feel doubted? she wondered.

With a mix of worries, Anne finally spoke up. “If there’s anything you can always talk to me.

“I will, I promise. Cassie nodded in agreement

Anne decided to shift the conversation to lighter topics. “Have you thought about where you want to go to college? Your dad and grandpa were hoping you’d consider studying abroad. Is that something you’re interested in?”

“No,” Cassie replied with conviction. The coming years were pivotal for the Murphy family, and she intended to stay put. She felt the need to be the steady hand guiding Murphy Group to a position of unassailable strength. “I don’t want to be away from you all.”

Anne spoke with a serious tone. “The choice is yours. Just remember, no matter what, your happiness and health are the top priority.” She continued earnestly. “In the future, feel free to be yourself. Don’t let anyone hold you back, got it?”

She had given this a lot of thought. Ever since Julia entered their lives, Cassie’s personality had started to change. Anne remembered telling Cassie when Julia first arrived, “Cassie, Julia has no parents and has been through a lot. You need to be kind and look out for her, alright?”

“Okay, I understand.” Ca**ic replied softly, nodding her head.

It was as if they had never truly connected before. As they walked, they eventually found themselves on the main road outside their home.

“We’ve come quite a distance, Cassie said, looking back.

“Let’s just retrace our steps, Anne suggested, pointing ahead. “Your dad and I often take this path for our evening strolls.” “Sounds good.” Cassie agreed. She then noticed a black car parked across the street, catching it out of the corner of her eye. Cassie’s eyes were drawn to the figure inside the car, her curiosity piqued for no apparent reason.

“What’s got your attention?” Anne inquired, following Cassie’s line of sight.

With a quick motion, Cassie linked her arm through Anne’s and casually strolled forward. “Oh, nothing much. I just think that car is pretty cool.

Anne let out a light laugh. “Once you graduate, you should get your driver’s license. If you like that car, see if your dad will get one for you.”

Cassie was momentarily speechless. The car had a rugged, tough look to it-definitely the kind of vehicle she wouldn’t like. As they continued walking, the sudden, sharp roar of an engine pierced the air behind them. Anne instinctively pulled Cassie closer, steering her to the side of the road.

Cassie spun around to see a masked figure on a motorcycle racing towards them, a wave of unease washing over her.

“Mom, get down!” Cassie yelled, pulling Anne into the nearest corner and forcing them both to crouch.

The motorcycle roared past in a blur, the rider swinging a baseball bat at them as they sped by.

react, Cassie’s instincts kicked in. As the bat was about to connect with Anne, Cassie shielded her with her

With little time to re own body.

The force of the blow knocked the breath out of Cassie, and she felt a metallic taste in her mouth, nearly gagging on her own blood.

Thankfully, the motorcycle sped off immediately after the attack

“Cassie!” Anne’s face drained of color as the sound of the bat hitting Cassie’s back echoed around them.

“Mom, we have to move!” Cassie urged, her eyes darting forward. The motorcycle had halted and was now making a sharp U-turn, unmistakably coming back for them. Anne quickly got Cassie to her feet, and they began to retreat.

But there was no way they could outrun a motorcycle on foot.

Cassie’s heart pounded in her chest as the engine’s growl grew louder. “Mom, you have to run! Go get help!” She gave Anne a gentle push.

“No, I won’t leave you!” Anne stood her ground, resolute.

Just then, the black car across the street came to life with a sudden roar.