"So yeah, after my dad begged me over and over, I finally gave in—on one condition. Vera has to return the five percent of shares my mom left me. And guess what? He said yes immediately and even told me he felt guilty." Cassandra wasn’t thrilled about the whole deal, but thinking it through, it wasn’t so bad—Vera had pulled that stunt, yet she walked away unharmed, and now, Cassandra had gotten her shares back. That in itself felt like a win. "Smart move," Damien said, giving her a nod of approval. He added with a knowing tone, "It’s way more strategic than trying to drive Vera out of the family. Sometimes, when you swallow your pride, you stir up guilt in people—guilt that can work in your favor.” He gave a light chuckle. “And that guilt your dad feels? It’s all thanks to Vera.

