Chapter 288

"Why would I care?" Cassandra Blake sneered, her fingers tightening around the ultrasound report. "Evelyn Carter, you're carrying another man's child, aren't you? Is it him? I've finally caught you red-handed!"

Evelyn couldn't believe the absurdity. "What business is my pregnancy of yours? And what do you plan to do with my medical records?"

"Useless to me," Cassandra shrugged dramatically, "but someone might pay good money for this. Penelope Whitmore would be very interested. How much do you think she'd give me for this little secret?"

Evelyn's expression darkened. "This isn't Penelope's child. Giving it to her won't benefit you. Since when is pregnancy illegal? Go ahead, shout it from the rooftops if you want."

The words gave Cassandra pause.

Her eyes darted back to the ultrasound image.

Now that she thought about it, Penelope had shown unusual interest when Cassandra first hinted at Evelyn's possible pregnancy.

It was like she'd struck gold!

While Cassandra hesitated, Julian Montgomery snatched the report back. "Listen carefully," he growled, "if you're looking for trouble, I won't hold back. Was fifteen days in jail not enough for you?"

After the neighborhood demolition incident, they'd arranged for Cassandra to spend two weeks in police custody.

She should've learned her lesson, yet here she was, stirring trouble again.

Cassandra paled and bolted before they could react.

Julian gave chase, but she disappeared around a corner with surprising speed.

Evelyn touched his arm. "Let her go."

"But what if she tells the Whitmores about your pregnancy?"

Evelyn inhaled deeply. "No one would believe her. Besides, I have a plan. Trust me."

"I'll have your hospital records altered," Julian said immediately. "If the Whitmores investigate, they'll find nothing."

"Perfect." She carefully folded the ultrasound into her purse.

Nothing would harm these babies. Not while she breathed. There were still tests to complete today.

Julian remained uneasy.

While Evelyn underwent her examination, he made a call. "Find Cassandra Blake. Silence her. Permanently."

Until Evelyn's brothers returned to Nord City, Nathaniel Whitmore could never learn about these babies.

Though Julian didn't fear Nathaniel personally, a custody battle with the powerful Whitmore family would be disastrous.

Most importantly, Julian needed Evelyn to sever all ties with Nathaniel - before complications arose.

Meanwhile, Cassandra ran like the devil chased her, terrified Julian might catch up.

Fumbling with her phone, she tried calling Penelope repeatedly.

No answer.

Panic set in.

Why wasn't Penelope picking up?

Desperate, Cassandra sent a text: 'I have Evelyn Carter's ultrasound report.'

The moment the message delivered, a wicked grin spread across her face.

She didn't care what Penelope planned to do with the information - only that it would be valuable.

Cassandra needed money. Badly.

When Penelope finally called back, Cassandra's eyes lit up with greed.

Her fingers had just grazed the answer button when a strong hand clamped over her mouth.

Darkness swallowed her consciousness.

The phone kept ringing, unanswered.

On the other end, Penelope cursed. "What game is Cassandra playing? She texts me then ignores my calls?"

She hung up, certain Cassandra would call back after seeing the missed calls.

Victoria Sinclair frowned. "Do you think Cassandra was telling the truth? Is Evelyn really pregnant?"