Chapter 164

Ethan's fingers tightened around the steering wheel when Cassandra's voice came through the phone. But the moment he heard Vivian was involved, he made a sharp U-turn, tires screeching against asphalt as he sped back toward Blackwood Estate.

Cassandra pressed a hand to her swollen cheek, lips curling in smug satisfaction. "Just wait. Nathaniel will be here any minute. You struck me—the evidence is right here. Let's see how you explain this!"

Vivian slid her phone into her pocket, unfazed. "You should wait too. The police are on their way. Maybe jail will be more comfortable than standing out here in this heat."

The numbers she had dialed were, in fact, 911.

If she couldn't deal with this woman herself, she'd let the law handle it.

Ethan arrived in record time, his sleek silver supercar roaring up the driveway, sunlight glinting off its polished surface. He executed a sharp turn, kicking up gravel before coming to a stop at the entrance.

Cassandra rushed toward him the second he stepped out, clutching her stomach dramatically. Tears streamed down her face as she pointed to her reddened cheek.

"You're finally here, Nathaniel! If you hadn't come, this madwoman would have killed me and your child! She barged in, ordered Beatrice to throw my belongings out, and when I refused, she hit me! I can endure her cruelty, but our baby—" Her voice cracked. "I can feel them trembling inside me. You have to do something!"

Her performance was worthy of an Oscar, her sobs theatrical, her expression the picture of suffering.

Ethan's jaw tightened, irritation flashing in his eyes. He glanced at Vivian before turning back to Cassandra, voice icy. "Things don't just happen. What did you do to provoke her?"

Silence fell.

This was unexpected. Ethan had never defended Vivian before—not during their marriage, and certainly not after. Yet now, he was questioning Cassandra instead of immediately taking her side.

Cassandra's lips parted in disbelief. How dare he imply this was her fault?

"Maybe Miss Lockhart resents me for taking her place as the lady of Blackwood Estate," she sniffled, pressing a hand to her chest. "I know you hate me, Vivian. But please—I'm carrying a child. If you want revenge, take it out on me after the baby is born. This is a Blackwood heir. You can't harm them!"

Ethan's expression darkened at the mention of the Blackwood heir.

Realizing he might have been too harsh, he turned to Vivian. "Did you hit her?"

Vivian didn't deny it. "Yes."

"Why?"

"She asked for it." A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips. "Since she's pregnant, I thought I'd grant her a small request."

Cassandra's nails dug into Ethan's arm, her voice trembling with rage. "Do you see how she's mocking us, Nathaniel? She has no respect for you or the Blackwood name! If you don't stop her now, who knows what she'll do next?"

Vivian tilted her head. "Oh, I can think of a few things. Like ensuring you give birth behind bars."

Her tone left no room for doubt—she meant every word.

Just then, the wail of sirens cut through the air. A police car pulled up, and two officers stepped out.

"Who called this in?"

Vivian raised her hand. "I did." She pointed at Cassandra. "Officers, this woman trespassed into my home, stole my property, and assaulted people. I'd like her arrested."