Chapter 1634: I do have a suggestion.
Kiara and Cassandra wouldn’t call it bonding—but perhaps it still fell into the same category: trauma bonding. Although their friendship dated back to their youth, they understood each other more deeply now, having experienced similar struggles with their families.
Kiara had grown up under the crushing weight of expectations—not just from her parents but from her entire family. Even as a child, she was taught to mature quickly and never cause trouble. And even when she followed every rule, brought home hundreds of medals, or won countless contests, it was never enough.
It was the same for Cassandra. Though unlike her friend, she’d had a little more freedom—just not total control over her life.
Because of that, the two of them had basically grown up without a family.
Kiara had long since severed ties with her parents, and her last encounter with them had made it painfully clear—she was dead to them. As for Cassandra, she might have tried to reach out, but Grace had forbidden her from contacting her family.
Grace hadn’t stayed long earlier, nor had she left Cassandra with a lengthy set of instructions. But she had made one thing very clear: if Cassandra didn’t follow her terms, she’d drop the case.
In other words, they had no place to go—no safe refuge.
"Uh..." Kiara cleared her throat, casting a glance at Cassandra. "Maybe... I can find us a room at a hotel."
Cassandra looked at her friend bitterly.
"Ki..." She reached out and held Kiara’s hand, her eyes shimmering with regret. "I’m... sorry. I know money is tight."