Chapter 167

Despite everything, Cassandra felt uneasy. "Mother, I do admire Mister Nathaniel, but he's already married. That's what makes me hesitate. What if—"

Victoria Blackwood waved off her daughter's concern with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "Married? So what? Need I remind you how I took your father from his first wife? Look where that got me. If his wife can't keep him, that's her failure. In this world, you have to fight for what you want, Cassandra. Trust me—being Mister Nathaniel's mistress is far better than settling for some mediocre man. You're young, beautiful. Who's to say you won't replace her one day?"

It sounded logical, but Cassandra still wavered. "But he's so distant, so unapproachable. I don't even know how to get close to him."

Victoria smirked. "He's the heir to the Grayson empire, raised with power and privilege. Of course he's cold. But don't worry. After lunch, I'm taking you shopping for something special."

Cassandra perked up. "What is it?"

"You'll see," Victoria said, her lips curling into a sly smile.

Though her mother was being cryptic, Cassandra trusted her. Victoria always had a plan, always knew how to manipulate situations to her advantage.

After their meal at The Wild Bites, Victoria led Cassandra to a bustling market.

Even with a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses, Cassandra wrinkled her nose in distaste. The place reeked of fish and sweat. "Mother, why are we here?"

Victoria's grin turned predatory. "You're cooking for Mister Nathaniel tonight, aren't you? You need ingredients."

Cassandra scoffed. "You know I can't cook. I'll just order takeout and pretend I made it."

Victoria pulled her aside, lowering her voice. "Foolish girl. Listen carefully. I'm buying cordyceps and fennel. When cooked together, they have... certain effects. Let's just say, after tonight, Mister Nathaniel won't be able to resist you."

Cassandra's cheeks flushed as she clutched the bag of ingredients, her heart racing. Her mother was a genius.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Whitmore hailed a taxi back to the Grayson estate. As she approached the gates, a white van pulled up beside her.

The driver rolled down the window, flashing a greasy smile. "Excuse me, miss. Do you know where the Grayson estate is?"

Evelyn eyed him warily. "Why do you need to know?"

The man chuckled, adjusting his sunglasses. "Got a delivery for them. Groceries, vegetables, fruits—all in the back."

Evelyn frowned, stepping closer to peer into the van—

The side door slid open.

A masked figure lunged forward, spraying a mist into her face.

Her vision blurred.

Her knees buckled.

Before she hit the ground, strong hands yanked her inside.

The door slammed shut.

The van sped away.