Chapter 188

Evelyn Whitmore spun around to find Nathaniel Blackwood looming in the doorway, his piercing gaze freezing her in place.

"Mr. Blackwood. I-"

Her words caught in her throat. The steaming abortion pills in her hand became damning evidence. No plausible explanation came to mind.

Cassandra Delacroix cowered behind Nathaniel, perfecting her damsel-in-distress act. "Vivian sent you, didn't she?" she sobbed dramatically. "I know I messed up by getting involved with Nathaniel, but my baby's innocent!"

Tears streamed down Cassandra's face as she clutched her stomach. "This child is everything to me! Tell Vivian if she wants revenge, take it out on me - not my unborn baby!"

Evelyn's face flushed crimson with rage. "That's not what happened! You suggested terminating the pregnancy yourself! Stop playing the victim!"

"Liar!" Cassandra shrieked. "I'd never harm my baby! You threatened me - said Vivian would have me arrested unless I took those pills. When I refused, you tried forcing them down my throat!"

Evelyn's hands trembled. She'd never encountered such masterful manipulation. The sheer audacity made her pulse pound dangerously.

Now she understood Vivian's warnings. Cassandra Delacroix was pure evil wrapped in angelic packaging.

"Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn pleaded, "don't believe her lies. None of what she's saying is true. I would never-"

"Enough."

Nathaniel's voice cut like ice. His glacial stare pinned Evelyn in place. "Was this Vivian's idea?"

"No! Vivian knows nothing about this. Please don't blame her, she's-"

"So this was your doing?" Nathaniel's tone dropped dangerously. "You admit attempting to destroy a Blackwood heir?"

Evelyn swallowed hard. She couldn't deny her original intent, though the circumstances had twisted beyond recognition.

"I did suggest termination, but-"

"I've heard all I need." Nathaniel turned to the waiting officers. "Attempted harm to a Blackwood heir. Motive established. Witnesses present. You know what to do."

The officers snapped into action, cuffing Evelyn with practiced efficiency. "Attempted assault is a criminal offense. You're under arrest."

"Criminal offense?" Evelyn stared dumbly at the gleaming handcuffs. This had spiraled far beyond her expectations.

"Wait! This is a misunderstanding! I only wanted to help Cassandra move on! You and Vivian still love each other - your marriage can be saved if-"

"Remove her."

Nathaniel's dismissal was absolute. Evelyn's desperate pleas turned to bitter laughter. "Now I understand why Vivian insists on divorcing you. A man like you doesn't deserve her love!"

After Evelyn's departure, Cassandra's mask slipped into a triumphant smirk.

She clung to Nathaniel's arm. "Thank heaven you arrived when you did! Vivian's thirst for revenge knows no bounds - targeting an innocent baby? How could she-"

"Drop the act." Nathaniel wrenched his arm free. "Your performance disgusts me."

Cassandra's smile faltered. He knew Evelyn was innocent? Then why...?

Nathaniel answered her unspoken question with a chilling smile. "You want to know why I played along?"