Chapter 337

"Don't you see? Even though Nathaniel made me leave Blackwood Villa, he gave me this enormous castle instead."

Cassandra twirled the rose between her fingers, smirking at Vivian. "He tore out my rose garden at the villa, only to replace it with one ten times grander."

Her eyes gleamed with triumph as she gestured to the sprawling garden. "Every single seedling here was flown in from Vienna. Each one costs a fortune. This entire garden? Priceless. It's proof of Nathaniel's undying love for me!"

Vivian surveyed the sea of roses. The sight was undeniably breathtaking. "The Blackwoods certainly don't skimp on their displays of wealth."

Internally, her chest tightened. 'Of course this stings. How could it not? He never lifted a finger for me during our marriage, yet he showers her with extravagance? Losing to anyone would hurt, but Cassandra? That scheming viper? Unacceptable.'

"The Blackwoods are wealthy, but Nathaniel isn't reckless with his affections." Cassandra tilted her head, studying Vivian with mock pity. "I'm special to him. That's why he spoils me this way. But you..." She let out a theatrical sigh. "Four years as his wife, and not a single shred of his love. How pathetic."

"Enough!" Vivian's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "Did you summon me here just to gloat? You think this proves he loves you? If he did, he wouldn't have hidden you away like dirty laundry. Face it—you're just an incubator for his heir. The moment that child is born, you'll be discarded."

"You're lying!" Cassandra's composure cracked. "He promised to care for us forever! This is temporary—just until the scandal dies down. Then he'll bring me home, restore my status, and marry me properly!"

Vivian stepped closer, her smile venomous. "Naive little fool. The Blackwoods would never accept a venomous snake like you. Without that baby, you're nothing. Even Eleanor Whitmore, your greatest ally, begs me daily to remarry her son. Face reality—you're already obsolete."

Each word struck like a whip. It was the brutal truth. Eleanor's sudden warmth toward her, Nathaniel's unexpected proposal—they'd all chosen the more valuable pawn.

The true tragedy was those who waited to be chosen. For a fleeting moment, Vivian almost pithered.

Then Cassandra snapped.

"Liar!" She lunged, fingers digging into Vivian's arms. "Eleanor despises you! There's no way she'd—"

Vivian shoved her away. "Get off me!"

Cassandra crumpled to the ground. A sharp cry tore from her lips. "My stomach—it hurts!"

Crimson bloomed across the soil beneath her.