Chapter 1637: What did I do now?

Hugo, Kiara, and Cassandra had agreed on one thing before deciding to visit the Bennet Mansion: they would never disclose the real reason they needed a safer house.

"I see..." Allison nodded in understanding, her gaze sweeping over the young ladies before settling on her second son. "But Hugo, that isn’t for me or your father to decide."

She turned her attention to Atlas. After all, Hugo wasn’t asking them to take the ladies in—but rather to allow them to stay at Atlas’s unoccupied home.

Atlas’s expression remained unmoved as he answered coldly, "No."

"First Brother..." Hugo sighed heavily, ready to launch into another round of persuasion. But before he could start, Kiara spoke up.

"It’s alright," Kiara said with a calm smile, and Cassandra nodded in agreement. Kiara cast Hugo a reassuring glance, then turned back to the Bennet family. "We just tried our luck, but we appreciate you hearing us out and respecting our decision."

"Thank you," Cassandra added quietly. "I’m grateful you listened without judging me."

She had believed everyone was her enemy, that no one would believe in her except Kiara. But the longer she was out in the world, the more she realized there were still a few people who didn’t immediately judge her based on the accusations thrown her way.

Besides, it was embarrassing enough to have Hugo begging on their behalf.

Atlas nodded in satisfaction. "They respect my decision, Hugo. You should learn to respect it too."

Hugo frowned, his shoulders slumping. He looked to his mother, only to receive an apologetic smile from Allison. Charles simply shook his head. Normally, he would have turned this into a full-blown lecture, but tonight, he just didn’t have the energy.

"I can’t either," Slater added as Hugo’s gaze fell on him. "I’m a star—no, not just any star, but the biggest, brightest out there. I can’t afford for the public to find out I’m sheltering someone accused of a crime."

He shot Cassandra a quick glance. "Not judging you—but I’ve got a reputation to protect."

"It’s alright. I understand," Cassandra responded calmly, not taking his words to heart.

"I’d love to offer you our place..." Allison sighed. "But our guest house is under renovation, and there isn’t enough extra space for both of you."

"It’s really fine, ma’am." Kiara smiled appreciatively and shook her head. "Please, don’t burden yourself. We understand."

Cassandra nodded. "Hugo brought up the idea, and while we appreciate his willingness to help, we don’t want to impose."

Hearing their gracious responses only made Allison sigh heavier with guilt. She glanced at Charles, then at Butler Jen, who gave her a small, apologetic smile.

Even if she wanted to help these girls, she simply couldn’t.

Seeing how the meeting had concluded, Hugo let out a long breath.

"Fine," he relented, standing. "Thanks for listening to my dilemma. I’ll figure something out."

Kiara wanted to tell him it wasn’t necessary—that they should just book a hotel room for now and figure out the rest later. Even if it was exhausting, moving from one place to another might be the safest option.

But before she could say anything, Hugo was already rising from his seat.

"Mom, Dad, I’m really sorry for disturbing your sleep," he said politely before turning to Butler Jen. "And sorry for bothering you so late, Butler Jen."

"You don’t need to apologize, Second Young Master," Butler Jen replied.

"Still, I have to," Hugo shrugged before glancing at Kiara and Cassandra. "Anyway, let’s go to our second target."

"Huh?" Both ladies furrowed their brows, and just as Cassandra was about to speak, Kiara gently clasped her hand.

Cassandra raised her brows at her friend, but Kiara just smiled softly. Cassandra understood the silent message—this wasn’t the time to argue in front of the family. So, she nodded, and both ladies rose from their seats.

"Thank you for having us, and we’re sorry for the trouble," Kiara said politely.

"Thank you," Cassandra echoed quietly.

Allison stood. "How about—"

"It’s alright, Mom." Hugo waved her off. "You don’t need to walk us out. We’re fine."

"He’s right," Kiara added with a grateful smile. "Thank you again."

After a few more words of gratitude—including thanks for the warm tea—the three of them left the dining room and the house.

As they walked away, Allison let out another heavy sigh and turned to Atlas, her expression clouded with concern.

"Atlas, I know it’s your place, but was it really so hard to let your brother’s friends stay there temporarily?" she asked, disappointment creeping into her voice. "No one’s living there."

Slater nodded but added, somewhat contradicting his own action, "Mom, would you let strangers stay here even if you weren’t living in this house?"

Allison would—but she knew her beliefs differed from her children’s. Though she was their mother, her children were grown and entitled to their own choices.

"I don’t mind Hugo’s friends staying there," Atlas replied coolly, "but I don’t want to get tangled in the mess Cassandra Smith is carrying. Besides, no woman—other than you, Penny, and Nina—has ever stayed in my home. I’d rather keep it that way until I marry."

"So, that means... never?" Slater teased, but Atlas simply shrugged.

Slater wasn’t wrong—it sounded like that house would remain untouched forever.

Allison sank back into her chair with a sigh. "Poor girls," she murmured.

"You should be more worried that Hugo’s the one leading them around," Charles muttered as he stood. "I’m going to bed. And if anyone makes another commotion tonight, everyone’s finding another place to sleep."

With that, Charles walked off but paused to rest a hand on Allison’s shoulder. "Come on, Ali. Hugo will figure things out—or those girls will."

Allison forced a small smile and placed her hand over his. Nodding, she glanced at her sons one last time before leaving the room with Charles.

At the doorway, Charles turned back to Slater. "Oh, and Slater—before you leave tomorrow, I need a word with you. Come to my study before breakfast."

Slater frowned deeply as he watched his father leave.

"Did I do something wrong?" he muttered, wondering why his father seemed unusually serious. This was his first visit home after spending so long in another city for his shows.

Meanwhile, Atlas remained seated, his gaze following their parents before shifting coldly toward Slater. Sensing the look, Slater turned toward him.

"What?" Slater frowned before glancing back at Butler Jen. Then he frowned deeper, realizing someone was missing.

"Uncle Haines’s room is nearby, but he didn’t wake up through all that noise. Is he okay?"

"I don’t know," Atlas said curtly as he rose from his seat. "But I still need to talk to you. Meet me in my room after you finish your soup."

Slater blinked, confused, and watched as his brother left.

"Huh?" he muttered, glancing back at Butler Jen again. "What did I do now?"