Chapter 475

Nathaniel's expression darkened the moment he saw Adrian sleeping soundly.

"Cassandra, have you lost your mind? How could you do this to a child? He's barely begun his life. Taking him to Crimson Emporium—you've gone too far! Don't you fear retribution?"

Earlier, he had received Cassandra's order—to deliver something "unique" to Harbor Market's Crimson Emporium.

On the surface, Crimson Emporium appeared to be a respectable establishment, housing rare treasures from across the globe. But in truth, it was a den of unspeakable horrors.

The owner, Quentin Blackthorn, was a shadowy figure with unfathomable influence. He had once declared that if a client offered him something truly valuable, he would grant any wish in return.

Some traded priceless heirlooms for love. Others bartered their own flesh for unimaginable wealth.

The rule was simple—if Quentin accepted the offering, the deepest desires of the one who brought it would be fulfilled.

If Cassandra was offering Adrian, she must have struck a deal with Quentin. All she needed now was a trustworthy courier to deliver the boy, and the transaction would be complete.

"Tell me," Nathaniel demanded, his voice tight. "What did you ask for? Money? Power? Immortality?" He couldn't fathom her motives. "You already have everything. This child has his whole life ahead of him. If the Emporium takes him, he'll be destroyed. Stop this madness before it's too late!"

Cassandra laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. She stood beneath the golden glow of the lamp, her posture regal. "You, of all people, preaching morality? After everything you've done? How rich."

Her smile twisted into something bitter. "You found happiness. You walked away unscathed. But me? I have nothing. The man I love is gone. The Blackwoods treat me like a curse. I'll never be a mother. If I don't fight back now, my mother would rise from her grave to scorn me." Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "So tell me—am I really the one going too far?"

For years, she had played the pitiable fool, weaving her way into Ethan's life. She had been so close to becoming a Blackwood.

Then Isabella Lockhart returned.

Like a storm, she shattered everything. No matter what Cassandra did, Isabella was always one step ahead.

Ethan was spellbound. Four years of careful planning—gone in an instant.

Cassandra knew she couldn't defeat Isabella alone. She needed power beyond her own.

And Adrian? He was the perfect offering. Quentin had taken an interest the moment Cassandra mentioned him.

"I have no choice," she hissed. "Kindness is weakness. Mercy is death." Her gaze locked onto Nathaniel's. "We're the same, you and I. If this child isn't delivered on time, neither of us will escape Quentin's wrath. Hesitate now, and you'll lose everything—including Sophia."

That struck home.

Nathaniel had no fear for himself. But Sophia? Quentin was a demon in human skin. If crossed, he would destroy them all without hesitation.

With a heavy breath, Nathaniel moved to the bed and lifted Adrian into his arms. The boy didn't stir.

"Relax," Cassandra said coolly, arms crossed. "He's clever, but he trusts you too much. The milk was laced with enough sedatives to keep him asleep until delivery. Just do your part." Her smile was serpentine. "I know you won't fail."

"You're a monster," Nathaniel spat.

He looked down at Adrian's peaceful face, guilt twisting inside him like a knife.