Chapter 295

"Grandfather, I must take my leave now." Evelyn gently caressed Archibald's weathered cheek, her voice barely above a whisper. "You needn't maintain this charade of illness if it grows tiresome. That imposter Cassandra won't dare harm you - not while you're still useful to her scheme."

Once Archibald and Margaret met their ends, the entire Wright fortune would fall into Julian's greedy hands. The fake Cassandra would never relinquish such a monumental advantage.

"Very well, I understand," Archibald replied with a tender smile.

With one final glance at her grandfather, Evelyn slipped silently from the sickroom.

The following morning brought troubling news from Rosalind. Margaret had taken Cassandra to Wright Corporation, introducing her to the board members and securing her position as Vice President.

Cassandra craved the Wright inheritance but feared changing her Solterran citizenship. Instead, she'd devised an alternative plan - marry an Aldenrian nobleman who could claim the fortune, then seize half through marital rights.

"Evelyn," Rosalind confided, "your grandmother has taken Cassandra to meet General Blackwood. Her dowry? The entirety of Wright Corporation. Whoever marries her becomes the wealthiest man in Aldenria! What man could resist such temptation?"

The revelation left Evelyn reeling all day. The vast Wright fortune might soon slip through her fingers if Cassandra succeeded in her marital schemes.

That evening, raucous laughter echoed through the grand hall. Evelyn and Rosalind emerged from their chambers to find Margaret and Cassandra celebrating with uncharacteristic gaiety. Dozens of exquisite jewelry sets littered the coffee table as Cassandra preened before a mirror.

Spotting Evelyn descending the stairs, Cassandra announced with triumphant malice, "Evelyn Carter, I bring joyous news - Liam has agreed to marry me."

Evelyn remained impassible, settling onto a couch beside Rosalind while Cassandra flaunted her jewels.

"Cassandra's dreams have finally come true," Margaret declared with smug satisfaction. "At last, I can rest easy."

"Grandmother," Cassandra simpered, "Liam has loved me for years. Our union would have happened sooner had his grandmother not forced that sham marriage upon him."

Margaret shot Evelyn a venomous glance. "Indeed. Thankfully, destiny has corrected itself."

The truth of their words began dawning on Evelyn. Though her face paled and heart ached, she maintained perfect composure.

"Madam Wright," she inquired coolly, "did Liam personally make this promise?"

"What man would refuse the Wright fortune?" Margaret scoffed. "Marrying Cassandra guarantees becoming Aldenria's wealthiest man. Besides, they've always been deeply in love."

Evelyn's fingers tightened imperceptibly on her skirt hem.

Cassandra noticed and smirked. "I warned you he'd divorce you, Evelyn. Know your place - you're nothing compared to me." She slid an emerald bracelet onto her wrist, admiring its sparkle.

With bitter amusement, Evelyn countered, "Ms. Wright, under which identity do you claim Liam's hand? As Cassandra Wright of Aldenria, or Wanda Wright of Solterra?"

Cassandra's face twisted in fury at the pointed question.