Chapter 9

After everyone had left, Cassandra glanced at Alexander, who seemed deep in thought, and took the lead to admit her mistake. “Sorry, Grandpa. I didn’t behave well and made you upset. However you want to punish me, I won’t complain. Go ahead and do what you think is right—I need to learn my lesson.”

She knew her grandfather had always been protective of her, and that made her eyes sting a little. Deep down, she promised herself she’d never let him down again.

Alexander stared at her with a complicated look, before letting out a sigh. “Cassie, you’ll spend the next week confined to the estate. No parties, no outings, and no guests. Tomorrow morning, I want you in the Hall of Ancestors. Sit there and copy the Taylor family charter by hand— every word. Use the time to reflect on what it means to bear this name.”

He had always been firm—kind when it was deserved, and uncompromising when discipline was needed.

“Yes, Grandpa.” Cassandra gave him a respectful nod. Sh