Chapter 187

Evelyn Whitmore came from generations of physicians. She knew every technique for nurturing pregnancies.

She also knew all the methods to terminate them.

But her moral compass had never allowed her to perform such cruel procedures.

Yet if it meant reuniting Vivian and Nathaniel, she'd damn her soul without hesitation.

"Miss Delacroix, are you absolutely certain? If you truly wish to proceed, I can prepare an herbal concoction. Painless. No future fertility complications."

Evelyn studied Cassandra's face intently.

She would only proceed with explicit consent. This decision belonged solely to the mother.

"I'm certain." Cassandra's voice held steady conviction. "Every child deserves loving parents. A father who cherishes both mother and child. This...this was never meant to be."

"Your wisdom honors you, Miss Delacroix."

Evelyn felt her reservations ease. This wasn't the villainess Vivian described.

Nathaniel's taste in women had never failed before.

"Wait here. I'll prepare the infusion immediately."

Evelyn hurried to the hospital's traditional medicine wing. Within the hour, she returned with a steaming thermos.

"Here. Mild cramping at worst. One bathroom visit should conclude everything."

She offered the thermos with steady hands. The Whitmore family recipes never failed.

Cassandra stared at the container without touching it. Suddenly her voice sharpened. "You swear Vivian will drop all charges if I do this?"

Evelyn blinked at the abrupt volume change. "Of course. You're clearly not malicious—just momentarily misguided. Once Nathaniel and Vivian reconcile—"

Cassandra's gaze flicked to the wall clock. "I'm frightened. Will you...help me drink it?"

"Of course."

Evelyn understood a mother's anguish. She unscrewed the thermos, stepping closer. "Close your eyes. The bitterness won't linger—"

Cassandra's demeanor shattered. She recoiled violently. "NO! Don't touch my baby!"

"Please take it away! I won't—I can't—"

Evelyn froze. "Miss Delacroix? Let me—"

"HELP! SHE'S TRYING TO KILL MY CHILD!"

Cassandra bolted past Evelyn toward the doorway's looming silhouette.

"Save me, Nathaniel! Vivian sent her with poison!"