Chapter 432

Nathaniel's face darkened with concern. He hesitated before speaking. "Can you at least tell me what you're planning to do with them?"

Cassandra's eyes turned icy. "Since when do you question me?" Her voice dripped with venom. "You know exactly what I've suffered. You swore your love, promised to move mountains for me. Now's your chance to prove it. Fail me, and you'll regret it. Succeed, and I'll give you everything."

Nathaniel clenched his fists. A sharp inhale. "I won't fail you. My devotion is absolute—even if the world abandons you, I never will."

A cruel smile twisted Cassandra's lips. "Better not. Empty words disgust me, Nathaniel. I despise men who break promises."

Her manicured finger tapped the table. "That woman's friend—Leia. You've known her for years. What else have you learned? Besides the two brats?"

"Nothing useful. Sophia's loyalty is... problematic. She'd die for Vivian. Pushing harder would raise suspicion."

Cassandra laughed, the sound like shattering glass. "Loyalty? Don't be naive. Friendships crumble the moment a man steps between them. Imagine if her precious Vivian was caught seducing her boyfriend?"

Nathaniel stiffened. "You're suggesting—"

"Exactly." Cassandra's nails dug into her palms. "That witch ruined everything. Four years I played the grieving lover. The suicide attempts, the hysterics—all to keep Ethan's pity. And now she waltzes back?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "This time, I'll destroy her."

A thought struck Nathaniel. "Speaking of Ethan... Liam mentioned something. Have you heard?"

Cassandra's brow furrowed. "What?"

"Rumors say Ethan was injured rescuing Vivian. Hospital records show an ER visit, but he's vanished since. The Blackwoods are clueless."

"Interesting." Cassandra's eyes gleamed. "If Vivian's hiding him... this could be her downfall. Dig deeper. If she's involved, I'll make sure the world knows."

At Blackwood Estate, sunlight dappled through rose bushes in full bloom. Margaret hummed, watering can in hand, oblivious to the storm brewing.