Chapter 191

Vivian's face darkened instantly. "So it was you," she hissed. "What have you done to Evelyn?"

Nathaniel's expression remained icy. "You should be asking what your nanny did first."

His voice was sharp as he continued, "Evelyn tried to force Cassandra to abort her child. Are you seriously going to pretend you knew nothing about this?"

He exhaled sharply before adding, "Here's my offer—I release Evelyn, and you drop the charges against Cassandra."

Nathaniel believed he was being more than generous.

That child was his late brother's only legacy. If anyone else had dared what Evelyn did, they would've vanished without a trace by now.

"Absolutely not!"

Vivian shook her head, her voice firm. "I know Evelyn. She would never do something like that!"

She crossed her arms. "As for Cassandra—yes, I want her behind bars. But I would never harm her child. Even if convicted, pregnant women aren't imprisoned immediately. She'd serve her sentence after giving birth and weaning the baby. The child would be safe."

As a mother herself, Vivian would never be so heartless.

Her words made Nathaniel's cold expression flicker slightly.

He knew Vivian wasn't truly cruel. She was just trying to provoke him.

"I believe you," he conceded. "And I believe your nanny. So let's end this now."

He repeated his terms. "Drop the charges, and Evelyn walks free."

Vivian let out a bitter laugh. "How noble of you, Nathaniel. Acting like you're doing me some grand favor!"

Her eyes flashed with defiance. "If you truly believe we're innocent, why not just release her? Why force me to withdraw the charges?"

"Stop being unreasonable!"

Nathaniel's patience was wearing thin.

Why was she so impossible to reason with? He didn't know how to handle her stubbornness anymore.

"There's nothing I despise more than threats," Vivian spat, her fists clenched. "And you're doing this for that woman? Fine. See you in court. Let the judge decide!"

Once again, they parted in anger.

Later, after calming down, Vivian called Alexander Graves.

After hearing her out, Alexander responded confidently, "Don't worry, Vivian. I'll handle this. I'll get Evelyn out—but first, I need to speak with her directly."

Within the hour, they met at the detention center.

A guard led them to Evelyn's cell, muttering, "Ten minutes. That's all you get."

Evelyn, nearing sixty, sat hunched in a corner, looking frail and exhausted.

"Evelyn!"

Vivian rushed to the barred door, her voice trembling.

Evelyn startled, then hurried over, gripping the bars. "Miss Vivian! You shouldn't be here—this place is terrible for you. Go home!"

"We don't have time," Vivian insisted. "Tell us everything. Now."

Evelyn hesitated, then confessed.

"So you really did try to make Cassandra take abortion pills?" Vivian asked, stunned.

"I did." Evelyn lifted her chin, resigned. "I wanted you and Mr. Blackwood to reconcile. That child couldn't exist if that were to happen."

She closed her eyes. "If it means your happiness, I'd gladly rot in here."

"Evelyn, you've made a huge mistake!"

Vivian's chest tightened, but she couldn't bring herself to scold the woman who'd raised her.

Alexander adjusted his glasses, calm as ever. "It's not hopeless. We can still win this. Trust me."

His confidence eased Vivian's panic.

If any other lawyer said that, she'd assume they were bluffing. But Alexander never made promises he couldn't keep.

"How soon can we get her out? Can we post bail?"

Alexander shook his head. "Given the charges? No. But..."

He smirked. "Want to add five more years to Cassandra's sentence while we're at it?"

"Right now, I just want Evelyn safe."

"Do as I say," Alexander said, snapping his fingers, "and not only will Evelyn walk free—Cassandra will wish she'd never crossed you."