Chapter 488

Cassandra Winslow pressed her lips together. "I'll stop being mad if you stop saying that."

Adrienne Prescott couldn't help but laugh as she reached out to pinch Cassandra's cheek. "You silly girl! Even if you were a puppy, you'd still be the most adorable one I've ever seen!"

"Stop it!" Cassandra stomped her foot like a petulant child.

"Fine, fine. No more teasing." Adrienne glanced down at the hand gripping her wrist. "Now, can you let go?"

"No. What if you try to escape?"

Adrienne arched a brow. "This is my house. Where exactly would I go? I just want to change out of these clothes. You got them dirty, and now you won’t even let me put on something clean."

Cassandra flushed and immediately released her.

Yet, Adrienne didn’t move. "Want to come with me? Your dress is ruined too. You can borrow something of mine."

Cassandra looked down at the stain on her blouse and sighed. Without protest, she followed Adrienne upstairs.

After changing, Adrienne handed Cassandra a fresh outfit. Once dressed, Adrienne gathered Cassandra’s hair and turned her toward the mirror. "See? Gorgeous."

Cassandra studied her reflection—her sparkling eyes, the faint flush on her cheeks. Even with puffy eyes from crying, she still looked delicate, almost ethereal. So why didn’t Alexander Kensington want her?

The thought made her eyes well up again.

Adrienne caught her chin, forcing Cassandra to meet her gaze in the mirror. "You’re stunning. So why the self-doubt?"

"I am pretty," Cassandra whispered. "Then why doesn’t he love me? What does he even like?"

"That’s your mistake." Adrienne’s grip tightened slightly.

Cassandra winced but didn’t pull away.

"You’re too focused on him," Adrienne said firmly. "You’ve placed yourself so low, he doesn’t even see you anymore."

Cassandra blinked, confusion flickering in her glassy eyes.

"Men love the chase," Adrienne continued. "But you? You’re practically delivering yourself to his doorstep, ready to cater to his every whim. What are you—his maid? His nanny?"

Each word stung. Cassandra’s frown deepened.

"I just wanted him to notice me."

"If you want him to notice you, stop groveling." Adrienne squeezed her hand. "Cassandra, chase your own happiness first."