Chapter 182

Evelyn wiped her hands slowly after taking a tissue from the box on the table. "Why wouldn't I hit you when the two of you have been scheming behind my back?"

If it weren't for their deceitful tricks, she wouldn't have lost her innocence the night before!

Victoria noticed Evelyn's uncharacteristic behavior and clenched her teeth in fury. "I always knew you were just pretending to be the perfect daughter in front of your father! Now that he's not here, you're finally showing your true colors!"

Evelyn smirked. "Funny, I could say the same about you, Aunt Victoria. All that sweetness and obedience in front of Dad—was that just an act too? Should I spell out what you've been doing behind his back?"

Victoria choked on her words, her face turning red with rage. "How dare you compare yourself to me? You're nothing but a bastard child!"

Cassandra jumped to her mother's defense, sneering, "She's right, Evelyn! A motherless bastard like you has no right to speak! I'll teach you a lesson your shameless mother never did!" With that, she lunged forward, hand raised to strike.

Evelyn didn’t flinch. Instead, she caught Cassandra’s wrist in a firm grip. "I don’t need your lessons. Why don’t you tell me how you really landed that contract with Grayson Entertainment? Go on, say it out loud."

Cassandra froze, her wrist trapped. She lifted her chin defiantly. "Because I’m talented, and they recognized my potential! That’s why they signed me!"

Evelyn shoved her hand away with a cold laugh. "Or maybe it’s because your godfather pulled some strings? Speaking of which—does Dad know you’ve been cozying up to Vincent Blackwood?"

Cassandra scoffed. "What’s wrong with having a godfather? He’s a respected director! And our relationship is purely professional. I’m not afraid of Dad finding out!"

She wasn’t—because if she were, she wouldn’t have bragged about it in the first place.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Oh, I believe your relationship is innocent. But I doubt the same can be said for your mother and him."

Cassandra’s confidence wavered. She shot a nervous glance at Victoria, who remained eerily composed. "What nonsense are you spouting now, Evelyn? Cassandra’s mentors admire her work. There’s nothing unusual about her being someone’s goddaughter. What does this have to do with me?"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Funny thing—before Vincent became famous, he had a first love. They lived together for years. And guess what? Her name was Victoria Blackwood. Quite the coincidence, don’t you think?"

Victoria’s mask slipped for a split second. "How do you know that?"

Evelyn leaned in. "You’re a beautiful woman, Aunt Victoria. But for an ex-lover to still help your daughter after all these years? Even calling her his goddaughter? Makes me wonder… is Cassandra his daughter too?"

Victoria’s composure shattered. She jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "You’re making outrageous accusations! Where’s your proof?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I don’t have any."

Victoria scoffed, regaining her confidence. "Then keep your mouth shut. If you slander me without evidence, I’ll sue you for defamation!"

Evelyn sighed, turning toward the door. "Fine. I’ll let Dad investigate instead."