Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1493

Chapter 1493: Set in stone

"This engagement... It’s not about me. It never was, was it?"

Cassandra’s dating life wasn’t wild. She’d had casual flings and gone on many dates while living abroad. But she never introduced anyone to her family. Even when they came from prominent families, she didn’t want her family involved.

The only "relationship" they knew of was her arrangement with Finn—something set up for her before she even knew how to count. And all three of them knew it wasn’t a real relationship.

That was why Cassandra hesitated to introduce anyone. Even with Jonathan, when things were good between them, there were no labels. The only time they were officially together was when Cassandra got pulled into his mess—and she’d felt sorry for him.

Because Jonathan was a good man. And as someone with a special connection to him, it hurt to see him bullied by the Piersons—just because of his parentage. Because he was an illegitimate child. Of not just anyone, but Enzo Pierson.

Which brought her to the current situation.

’At first, I thought it’d be a problem... that I’d have to persuade them,’ she thought, remembering the day she defended Jonathan to her family. ’Because he’s an illegitimate child.’

But now, it was clear as day. Even without her persuasion, her grandfather had no issue with Jonathan.

Cassandra held his gaze firmly, her hands clenched on her lap. "This engagement... it’s never been about me, has it?"

"Haha..." Senator Smith snorted. "It is your engagement, sweetheart. Of course, it’s about you."

"Then why won’t you let me call it off?"

"..." Her grandfather gazed at her calmly, unaffected by the emotion in her voice. "Why do you want to cancel it?"

Cassandra swallowed hard, trying to hold back tears. "He’s an illegitimate child."

"That’s all?"

"That’s... all?" she repeated in disbelief. "Isn’t that enough?"

"I agreed to this engagement, knowing Jonathan Pierson was an illegitimate child. It’s not a problem," he said dismissively. "Zoren Pierson and I already talked. Once you’re engaged, the Pierson family will acknowledge him as a legitimate member. He may not be Zoren’s brother on paper, but that concern will be taken care of."

Her lips trembled as she opened and closed her mouth, unable to hide her conflicting emotions. "Grandpa, I don’t—"

"Cassandra, you’re not young anymore," he cut in. "At your age, you should understand the importance of this marriage."

"I don’t..." she whispered. "...love him."

"Haha. Ah, Cassandra." Her grandfather chuckled, reaching for his wineglass and sipping it leisurely. When he set it down, he continued, "You’ve lived a good life—studied at the best schools, had your every whim catered to."

Then his eyes snapped toward her, sharp and cold. "Do you think you got all that because you deserved it?"

"What?"