Chapter 201

Cassandra lunged at Evelyn with terrifying speed, her manicured nails aimed straight for the abdomen.

Evelyn's body moved before her mind could process, arms crossing protectively over her stomach.

Jonathan reacted with lightning reflexes, shoving Cassandra aside with enough force to send her stumbling. "Have you lost your damn mind?" he roared.

Cassandra's laughter was shrill and unhinged, her gaze locked on Evelyn's guarded posture. "I know your dirty little secret, Evelyn Carter. That belly you're so desperate to protect."

The realization hit Evelyn like ice water - Cassandra had been watching her too closely these past weeks.

Every passing moment only fueled Cassandra's growing resentment.

While her own career floundered, Evelyn soared as lead designer under Jonathan's mentorship.

The jealousy had festered until Cassandra could no longer contain it.

Evelyn's face drained of color, her pulse hammering against her ribs.

That could have ended catastrophically.

Without Jonathan's intervention... She didn't dare finish the thought.

Stepping forward, Evelyn delivered a stinging slap across Cassandra's cheek. "You've crossed a line you can't uncross," she said, voice dangerously calm.

No one threatened her child and walked away unscathed.

Cassandra's grin turned predatory. "You're pregnant, aren't you? That's why you're so protective."

Evelyn's mask slipped for only a heartbeat before her lips curled in derision. "Maybe you should get your delusions checked by a psychiatrist."

"Then why shield your stomach?" Cassandra challenged.

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Basic self-preservation. Should I have let you claw my face instead?"

The pregnancy remained her most guarded secret.

Until the divorce was finalized, no one could know about the life growing inside her.

Yet somehow this venomous woman had sniffed out the truth.

Cassandra's attention snapped to Jonathan. "See how she lies? She's some rich bastard's mistress carrying his bastard child while deceiving you!"

Evelyn scoffed. "Your fantasies are truly pathetic. There's nothing between Jonathan and me."

Jonathan's expression darkened. "Security. Now."

Cassandra scrambled to her feet, rage twisting her features. "Why does everything always go your way?" she shrieked.

Evelyn remained impassive. "You made your choices. I didn't force you into anyone's bed."

The security team arrived swiftly, dragging the thrashing woman away as she hurled obscenities.

Outside, Cassandra fumbled for her phone, fingers trembling with fury.

Penelope didn't answer.

She fired off a Twitter DM: 'Evelyn Carter is pregnant.'

The response came within minutes. "Is this true?" Penelope demanded.

"Swear on my life," Cassandra typed back.

"Proof or it didn't happen." Penelope had learned not to trust Cassandra's word after the credit card fiasco.

Some lessons came at great cost.