Chapter 29 Summary: Cassie's 2017 Storyline

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⚠️ This summary and analysis contains major plot details for Chapter 29 of More Than You'll Ever Know. If you haven't read the chapter yet, proceed with caution.

Summary

In early November, Cassie emails Penelope to apologize for upsetting her and to ask—on a long shot—whether Penelope has any written memorabilia from Andres dating from 1983 to 1986, such as a calendar, journal, or letters to or from Lore, that might explain his sudden trip to Laredo and his state of mind when he arrived. Cassie doesn't expect a reply but feels it's worth trying.

As she sends the email, Duke's mother, Caroline, calls. Caroline asks about wildflowers for wedding decorations and gently probes whether Cassie and Duke have planned anything for their wedding, which is six months away. Cassie says she loves wildflowers (though she doesn't really) because they're free. Caroline offers to help with planning, and Cassie accepts. Caroline then offers to walk Cassie down the aisle, knowing Cassie isn't close with her father. Cassie is moved to tears and accepts, feeling a sense of belonging.

That evening, after Duke's night off, Cassie calls her brother Andrew for their weekly check-in. Andrew's voice is flat, and he reveals that the power was shut off three days ago. Cassie realizes she missed his calls because she was distracted by her transcription work and her conversation with Lore. Andrew says their father has relapsed. Cassie resolves to confront her father. She drinks a glass of wine—noting the irony—and steps onto the back porch to call him.

Her father answers, slurring his words. Cassie confronts him about the power being off. He deflects, claiming he's just late on the bill, and accuses Cassie of abandoning him and Andrew. Cassie demands he get sober or she will come get Andrew. She threatens that if he hurts Andrew, she will make him pay. She hangs up, trembling.

Duke arrives home and overhears the end of the call. Cassie tells him about her father's alcoholism, which she's known since she was nine. She explains that her father had been sober for stretches, including during her last two years of high school, but relapsed before Andrew was born and has apparently been struggling since. Duke is sympathetic but hurt that Cassie never told him. He asks if she was planning to discuss Andrew moving in with them. Cassie argues that she can't leave her brother with a drunk who can't pay bills. Duke points out they can barely afford their own place. Cassie then reveals her belief that Lore was somehow involved in the murder, citing Lore's lies about the note and her alibi for Fabian. Duke calls the accusation serious and asks if Cassie hears herself. Cassie feels he's about to call her crazy, but instead he says she sounds ruthless, then walks inside.

Key Events

Cassie emails Penelope, requesting any written memorabilia from Andres from 1983–86 that might explain his trip to Laredo.
Caroline calls, offers wedding help, and asks to walk Cassie down the aisle; Cassie accepts.
Cassie calls Andrew and learns their father has relapsed and the power has been off for three days.
Cassie confronts her father by phone, demanding he get sober or she will take Andrew.
Duke arrives, learns about Cassie's father's alcoholism, and they argue about Andrew potentially moving in.
Cassie tells Duke she believes Lore was involved in the murder; Duke calls her ruthless and leaves.

Character Development

Cassie shows a fierce protective instinct toward her brother, but also a deep sense of guilt for having missed his calls and not noticing his distress. Her confrontation with her father reveals a resolve to act, even at personal cost, yet she struggles with the weight of her own past trauma. Her decision to keep her father's alcoholism from Duke—and her hesitation to tell him about Andrew—shows a pattern of self-preservation that conflicts with her desire for intimacy. When she finally reveals her suspicion about Lore, she is both defiant and vulnerable, aware that Duke might dismiss her instincts.

Duke is portrayed as supportive but increasingly frustrated. He is hurt that Cassie kept such a significant part of her life hidden. His practical concerns about money and space clash with Cassie's emotional urgency. His final word—