Chapter 11

Nathaniel's expression was darker than storm clouds. Vivian's fingers curled tighter around her medical report as bitterness churned in her chest.

Cassandra caught the tension instantly. She wedged herself between them with practiced ease, thrusting her own ultrasound images toward Vivian's face.

"Mrs. Blackwood, look! My little angel's already twelve weeks along." Cassandra's voice dripped honey. "See those perfect fingers? That button nose? All thanks to you stepping aside so gracefully."

Vivian's nails bit into her palms. The grainy image showed a fully developed fetus - a stark contrast to the tiny embryo in her own report.

'How poetic,' she thought. 'Her thriving baby versus my barely-there clump of cells.'

Cassandra wasn't finished. "You're practically this child's guardian angel. Why don't you pick a name? That way, we'll always remember your... generosity."

Vivian's laugh came out razor-sharp. "You want me to name Nathaniel's bastard? How delightfully twisted."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "Vivian, you don't have to—"

"Oh but I insist." Vivian tapped her chin mockingly. "How about... Nemesis Blackwood?"

Cassandra's smile faltered. "N-Nicholas?"

"N-E-M-E-S-I-S." Vivian enunciated each letter. "The goddess of retribution. Fitting, don't you think? For the consequences of betrayal?"

Cassandra's manicured fingers trembled. Nathaniel's stormy gaze locked onto Vivian. "That's enough."

"Or what?" Vivian met his glare without flinching. "Will the great Nathaniel Blackwood punish me for speaking truth?" Her lips curled. "Tell me, husband - who crossed the line first? The cheater or the cheated?"