Slight grinding noise that appears to be coming from the cassette/freehub

I tried two different QR skewers just to see if that made any difference (it didn’t).

Wheel is not touching frame or brakes anywhere.

I thought maybe the cassette wasn’t on tight enough as I didn’t tighten it as hard as I could (I’m not that strong) so I tightened it a bit harder. The grinding got quieter, but it still exists. Tried to take the cassette off to inspect or see if there’s something on the inside I missed/did wrong, but now I can’t get it off alone. Might try getting it off with my girlfriend later.

Is it possible I overtightened and damaged the cassette? I remember with my girlfriend’s cassette she also had to help me get it off, her holding one handle, me holding the other.