Chapter 4

After the birthday celebration, Genevieve officially moved into Thorne Manor as the future Mrs. Thorne.

The first thing she did was take my room.

"Cassidy, this room has the best light, it's perfect for me," she said, leaning against the doorframe.

"You'll be moving out soon anyway, why not get used to it beforehand?"

I stood in the hallway, calmly looking at her.

"If you like it, it's yours."

She narrowed her eyes, seemingly displeased by my compliance, then sneered.

"Oh, by the way, Sterling said your allowance will be handled by me from now on. After all, you're not a child anymore, you should learn to be frugal."

She pulled a card from her designer purse and handed it to me.

"Five thousand a month. Enough?"

Five thousand. It wasn't even enough for a single bracelet I used to buy on a whim.

I reached out and took the card, offering a small smile.

"Thank you, Grandma."

Her expression froze for a moment, clearly stung by the address, but she quickly reverted to her arrogant demeanor.

"Such a good girl."

I turned and went to the guest room.

But the next day, Genevieve dragged me to her walk-in closet.

"Cassidy, look, isn't my wedding dress beautiful?"

She unfurled a pure white wedding gown, its skirt adorned with countless tiny diamonds, shimmering brilliantly under the light.

I nodded.

"It's very pretty."

She suddenly sighed, feigning regret.

"Actually, I originally wanted to choose your mother's antique wedding gown from back then, but Sterling said it was bad luck."

My blood instantly ran cold.

How dare she mention my mother?!

In my last life, my mother had died in Thorne Manor, her cause of death a mystery.

And her wedding gown had been sealed in the Thorne family vault, a place even I couldn't easily access.

Genevieve tilted her head, enjoying my instantly pale face.

"But it's fine, my wedding dress is much more expensive than your mother's, wouldn't you say?"

I dug my nails into my palms, barely managing to maintain a calm expression.

"Yes," I said softly.

"I hope you get to live many days wearing it."

She paused, then burst into laughter.

"Cassidy Thorne, you're not actually thinking about revenge, are you?"

She leaned closer to me.

"Don't forget, now the entire Thorne family is mine."

On the wedding day, Thorne Manor was decorated with extravagant luxury.

The wedding march began, and Genevieve, arm in arm with Grandfather, slowly walked towards the officiant.

Guests applauded their congratulations, while I stood in a corner, quietly watching it all unfold.

When the officiant opened his book and solemnly asked if they were willing, Grandfather slowly looked up.

His eyes, however, weren't their usual gentle self; instead, they held a peculiar coldness. "I do."

When it was time to exchange rings, Mr. Jenkins, the butler, stepped forward, holding a delicate velvet box.

Inside lay two rings, each set with a blood-red gemstone.

They placed them on each other's fingers, completing the ceremony.

I saw Grandfather slowly exhale a long breath.

The next day, the butler frantically sought me out.

"Bad news, Mrs. Thorne… something’s happened."

"Mr. Thorne left on a business trip abroad last night…"