Chapter 449

"Aunt Delacroix, don't you like me?"

Little Adrian blinked his big, innocent eyes just like his sister Abigail always did. He put on his most adorable expression, mimicking the same tactic Briar used to gain trust.

He knew this woman had teamed up with The Rival to hurt Mommy.

Now it was his turn to teach her a lesson.

"I—"

Cassandra couldn't bring herself to say she disliked him the moment those puppy-dog eyes met hers.

"Aunt Delacroix, can you hug me? You remind me so much of Mommy! I really like you!"

Adrian beamed and grabbed her hand.

Cassandra was instantly disarmed. Against her better judgment, she cupped his soft, rosy cheeks.

"How could I not like you? You're absolutely precious!" She sighed. "Let me take you somewhere fun, okay?"

"Yay! You're the best!"

Adrian clung to her while secretly plotting his next move.

Cassandra couldn't resist squeezing his cotton-candy-like cheeks.

A pang of longing hit her. If her own baby had survived, he'd be about Adrian's age now. Would he have been this sweet? This cuddly?

For a fleeting moment, she wished Adrian were hers.

Then reality crashed back.

This brat was Isabella Lockhart's spawn. No matter how cute, he was still a bastard.

This was her golden opportunity—she couldn't waste it.

Taking a deep breath, Cassandra hardened her heart. "Adrian, did you come to Newport City with your mom? Who brought you here? Are you looking for your daddy?"

"Yes! I've never met him." Adrian played the perfect wide-eyed innocent. "Do you know where he is?"

"Your daddy happens to be my closest friend." Her smile turned icy. "He won't be coming here today... but I know exactly where to find him."

"Really? Can you take me to him, Aunt Delacroix?"

Adrian knew exactly what she was planning. He played along, amping up the pleading.

"Of course. Grab your things—we'll go right now."

Her grin grew predatory.

So easy. Children were so gullible.

Part of her genuinely adored this little boy—he was everything she'd dreamed her own child would be.

But fate had cursed him with the wrong mother.

Isabella Lockhart's son.

And now, before he could even meet his father, he'd fallen straight into her hands.

His life now depended on sheer luck.

A dark plan took shape in her mind.

Scooping him up, Cassandra slipped out of Blackwood Group unseen, avoiding every security camera.