Chapter 348

"But Mother, I could marry into the Montgomery family instead. It would benefit you just as much!" Cassandra's face paled at her mother's violent reaction.

Penelope remained silent, lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes glinting with something dark. After a moment, she asked, "What's the situation between Isabelle and Nathan?"

"There hasn't been much progress. From what Isabelle hinted, Nathan still seems hung up on that little tramp, Evelyn. She doesn’t stand a chance," Cassandra replied with a sneer.

Penelope smirked. "Darling, don’t you see? This is the perfect opportunity to drive a wedge between Nathan and Julian!"

Cassandra blinked. "Mother, what do you mean?"

Penelope flicked her daughter’s forehead in frustration. "Julian is the sole heir of the Montgomery Group. Even though his grandfather still holds power, Julian has already inherited a significant portion of shares from his father. The company will be his one day!"

She leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "If we use Isabelle to create tension between Julian and Nathan, it’ll be far more effective than forcing a marriage. I know Nathan—he’s stubborn. If he doesn’t want something, no one can make him take it. Even if Isabelle doesn’t end up with him, the damage to their friendship will be irreversible. They’ll never be the same again!"

Understanding dawned on Cassandra’s face, and she gazed at her mother with newfound admiration.

Just then, a soft knock interrupted them.

"Come in!" Penelope smoothed her expression, masking the venom in her eyes.

The door creaked open, and Eleanor shuffled in, clutching a worn teddy bear.

At the sight of her sister, Cassandra’s resentment flared. She wished she could tear both Eleanor and that hideous stuffed animal to pieces.

"Eleanor? What do you want?" Penelope asked coolly.

"M-Mother…" Eleanor kept her head low, fingers tightening around the bear. "C-Can I go to the banquet tonight?"

Both Penelope and Cassandra froze. Eleanor had never asked for anything before—this was a first.

Cassandra smirked, her voice dripping with mockery. "Oh, dear sister, has your innocent act finally cracked? Did you hear Julian would be there? Couldn’t resist throwing yourself at him again, could you? After what happened last time, I thought you’d have some shame."

"I-I didn’t!" Eleanor denied hastily, pushing away the memory of that humiliating encounter in the garden.

"Eleanor, luck won’t save you forever. And let’s not forget—you’re mentally unstable. Do you really want Julian to witness one of your episodes?" Cassandra rolled her eyes in disgust.

Eleanor’s face drained of color.

"Eleanor, it’s best if you stay home tonight," Penelope said, her tone final. "And about what happened between you and Julian before… I’ll let it slide. But from now on, don’t interfere with your sister’s plans. Or else. Understood?"

"Mother! I-I just want to meet Isabella Laurent! I love her films!" Eleanor pleaded, tears welling in her eyes.

"Who would believe such a pathetic excuse?" Cassandra scoffed. "Mother, don’t fall for it. She might look harmless, but she’s scheming for Julian!"

"Eleanor, don’t get in your sister’s way. You’ve caused enough trouble already. No more. Understand?" Penelope’s voice was icy, as if Eleanor were nothing more than a nuisance.

Eleanor stood frozen, head bowed, tears slipping silently down her cheeks. The rejection from her mother and the cruelty from her sister made her feel like an outsider in her own family.

She was the daughter with the broken mind—the one who brought them shame.

An unwanted burden.

An invisible ghost.