Reborn In Flames: The Heiress' Revenge Novel by Amos House

“Mr. Zachary, sorry for the late call. Word’s gotten to my family about the cheating claims from Mr. Gaiman, and they’re quite concerned. Could you set things straight with my dad?” Cassie handed her phone to Lucas.

Lucas took the phone with a frown. “Hello, Mr. Zachary”

As the call dragged on, **s’s face grew increasingly serious. He kept glancing at **ic. When he finally hung up, he looked at her with a serious expression.

“What did he say?” Heston asked, clearly worried. “Is someone at the school trying to set Cassie up?” He couldn’t believe Cassie had done so well, but he was sure she wouldn’t cheat,

“Dad. Cassie didn’t cheat,” Lucas said, his face softening into a smile. “She really knocked it out of the park with four subje and nearly nailed two more.”

“Really?” Heston’s mood instantly lifted.

Anne, who had been nonchalant until then, now showed clear signs of excitement. “Wait, what’s going on here?”

“Lucas, getting those kinds of scores is almost unheard of around here. It’s like, seriously impressive.” Julia said, still in disbelief. Why would Mr. Zachary back Cassie? She must’ve cheated, thought Julia.

“Is it true?” L***enthusiasm grew. “But Cassie actually pulled it off, and not just once, but twice!”

Twice Anne couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “Come on, spill. What did Mr. Zachary say?”

The rumor kicked off with Cassie’s homeroom teacher, who couldn’t believe her scores,” Lucas said, pride clear in his voic “Cassie decided to show she wasn’t just lucky or cheating and took six full-length exams one after another. She nearly aced them all over again

Julia was completely taken aback.

“Wow, Ms. Murphy, you’re amazing. I’ve never scored that high myself,” said the tutor, who had been quiet until now.

“Really?” Heston’s face beamed with delight. “Mr. Lowell is an outstanding student. If he’s impressed, Cassie must be extraordinary.”

“Cassie, your grades weren’t stellar before. How did you manage to do so well this time?” Anne inquired, her astonishment

clear on her face.

“My grades were not bad, Cassie explained with a shrug. “But Julia mentioned that if I beat her scores, you’d all hate her and might even kick her out. So, I kept a low profile. Since Julia was missing from the exam, I figured I’d let my real skills shine. Didn’t think it would cause such a fuss,” she said, sighing

The smiles on everyone’s faces faded, and Julia was visibly shaken.

“Oops!” Cassie exclaimed, covering her mouth and looking at Julia with wide eyes. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud

Julia’s face turned pale. “Cassie, I was just joking, I didn’t think you’d take it seriously.”

I’ve always taken you seriously,” Cassie replied, her brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Julia, I’ve remembered every word you’ve said to me since we were kids,

“Grandpa, Anne, Lucas, I was just a kid back then. When I did poorly on that test, I only mentioned it to Cassie in passing. I never imagined she would take it to heart and that my thoughtless words would hold her back for so long. I’m so sorry Tears welled up in Julia’s eyes as she spoke.

“It’s okay. It didn’t impact Cassie’s studies. Look, she aced her exams, Lucas said earnestly, turning to Cassie. “Cassie, you can’t do this again. If you truly care about Julia, you should help her study, not hold back. Do you understand?”

“I understand.” Cassie nodded obediently. “Now that everything’s settled, can we eat? That stuffed chicken smells incredible. and I’m famished.”

“Hurry. What time is it? Your little tummy will be empty soon. Louisa, Heston called out in a rush.

“Simon’s here too.” Cassie finally acknowledged Simon with a glance.

Thad some free time, so I thought I’d drop by.” Simon said with a warm smile.

“No, it seems like you’re not just free.” Cassie looked at Simon with a playful **le in her eyes, then glanced at Julia. “Simon, are you and Julia seeing each other?”

The moment she said it, it was as if a bomb had gone off in the room. Simon’s face turned pale. Julia looked equally shocked and quickly locked her gaze on Cassie.

“So that’s why you two o couldn’t bear to part. Did I guess right? Cassie continued, her tone innocent, as if she was just onto something juicy.

quick to clarify. T’m not seeing anyone. Eve never even been on a date.

“Not at all” Simon was quic

Cassie rolled her eyes at Simon’s denial internally. “What a shame. You and Julia look like you belong together. You’ve totally got that couple’s chemistry.” She put on a show of disappointment with a dramatic frown.

What on earth are you talking about? Just focus on eating. Anne said, giving Cassie’s head a playful nudge

“Mom, have you tried it yet? Louisa made her famous stuffed chicken for me. Cassie looped her arm through Anne’s.

“That’s way too rich. It’ll go straight to your hips. You should watch what you eat, especially with those cheeks of yours,” Anne warned, playfully pinching Cassie’s cheek.

“Don’t be giving the kids such advice. Cassie’s still growing. Look at how thin she is. Cassie, ignore your mom and eat up, Lucas interjected, his voice full of encouragement.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Meanwhile, Julia stood to the side, feeling out of place. A mix of resentment and envy swirled inside her.

Anne noticed the pallor on Julia’s face and offered, Julia, would you like to grab a bite?” She had sensed something amiss with Julia lately, especially her fervor in accusing Cassie of cheating.

“No, thanks. Simon’s going to help me with some practice exams Julia replied, shaking her head.

“Alright then, you two get to studying. I’ll have the maid bring some fruit over shortly, Anne said, ushering Cassie towards the dining room.

Left standing there, Julia felt a surge of frustration.

Lucas approached her, his tone gentle. “Julia, don’t stress too much. The SATs are right around the corner. Try to clear your mind and concentrate on your studies,” he advised, then paused before adding, “Cassie is innocent, and she takes things to heart. In the future, try not to joke like that, alright?”

Julia wasn’t oblivious to the subtle warning in Lu**s’s words, “I understand, Lucas.” She nodded solemnly.

With a nod in response, Lucas left.

“Let’s get to those practice exams, Simon said.

Julia gave Simon a sharp look before making her way to her room in silence. The moment Simon followed her in, she swiftly shut and locked the door.

Π Simon was taken aback. “What are you doing? If anyone sees us like this, it’ll look bad-especially with Cassie already suspicious. Open the door.”

The implications of a male teacher and a female student being alone and locked in a room together were clear-it could be misconstrued in the worst possible way.

“Cassie? Since when have you been on such friendly terms with ber?” Julia’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“What are you talking about? That’s ridiculous, Simon whispered harshly.

Suddenly, in a fit of apparent madness, Julia pushed Simon against the desk and planted a forceful kiss on him.

“Julia!” Simon exclaimed, shoving her away with a strong hand.

That brief, unwanted contact sparked a flurry of repugnant thoughts in Simon’s mind-images of Julia’s lips being touched by others, making him feel utterly repulsed.

“Are you sweet on Cassie now? Your eyes lit up when you were praising her. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Julia accused, her irritation evident in her tone.

“Are you out of your mind?” Simon whispered fiercely, “Didn’t you want Cassie to fall for me as soon as possible? How’s that supposed to happen if I don’t give her any attention?”

You’re still fixated on the plan? Can’t you see? Cassie’s onto us.” Julia’s face was etched with bitterness. “Otherwise, why would she confront me in front of Heston and Anne about not letting her score higher than me?”

Simon was brimming with disgust towards Julia, but he held back. If she really lost control and spilled everything, any chance he had with Cassie would be gone.

“Look, I know what happened out there has you rattled, Simon said gently, his fingers lightly brushing Julia’s cheek. “If you want to call off the plan, we can. But right now, what concerns me most is who leaked your video. We have no idea what they might do next,” he said softly, trying to soothe her.

Julia’s agitation began to ebb at the mention of the video. “Simon, I’m terrified,” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face

“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back no matter what,” Simon reassured Julia, pulling her into a comforting embrace. His voice was a soothing balm, but out of her sight, his expression was contorted with a hidden revulsion.

Once Julia was calmer, Simon hurried to open the door.

At that moment, Louisa entered with a tray of fruits and drinks, Murphy for you. She handed the refreshments to Simon

was just about to knock. Here you go, this is from Mrs.

“It’s my pleasure to help,” Simon responded with a courteous smile.

“Do you want me to close the door for you again?” Louisa asked, her smile unwavering.

Simon’s warm facade flickered for an instant before he shook his head. “The wind as shut it. It’s better to leave the door open with just us here.”

“Right: I’m not much for book learning, so I didn’t think of that just carry on with your teaching, and let me know if you need anything. Louisa said, turning to go. She thought to herself That little rascal. Is he still trying to fool me? She lingered by the door for a moment, distinctly hearing the lock click from the inside when she had handed over the fruit.

“What kind of “magical wind could lock a door!’ Louisa thought, convinced that something was amiss between the two of them.