Chapter 184

Victoria collapsed dramatically into Gregory's arms, letting out two weak coughs. "I've always been truthful with you, Gregory! I'm willing to take any test to prove my innocence! If we don't settle this today, I—" Her words trailed off as her eyelids fluttered shut, her body going limp in feigned agony.

"Mom! Mom, wake up!" Cassandra rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside Victoria. She shook her mother's shoulders desperately, tears streaming down her face. "Don't do this to me! Please, open your eyes!"

Gregory's face paled. "Victoria! Victoria, can you hear me?"

Victoria remained perfectly still, her breathing shallow—a masterful performance.

Cassandra knew her mother was faking, but she played along flawlessly. Her voice trembled with manufactured grief. "Look what you've done, Evelyn! Every time you come back, chaos follows! If Mom doesn't make it, I swear I'll—"

Gregory's gaze flickered between his sobbing eldest daughter and Evelyn, who stood motionless, her expression unreadable. His sympathy naturally swayed toward the one who seemed more distressed—Cassandra.

He rounded on Evelyn, fury in his voice. "Why are you just standing there? Call an ambulance! Do you want your stepmother to die?"

Evelyn's lips curled in cold amusement. The theatrics were almost impressive. Victoria had always been skilled at manipulating Gregory, and Cassandra had inherited the same talent.

No matter how many times they schemed, no matter how cruel their actions, Gregory always forgave them. A few tears, a well-timed faint, and he was wrapped around their fingers.

But Evelyn? Forgotten in the countryside, treated like an outsider. Every mistake was magnified, every kindness erased.

She didn't argue. She simply pulled out her phone and dialed for help.

At the hospital, the doctor confirmed Victoria's injury was minor—just a superficial scratch. A quick disinfection would suffice.

But Victoria groaned dramatically, clutching her head. "Everything's spinning... I feel so sick..."

Cassandra immediately demanded hospitalization. "She needs to be monitored! This could be serious!"

The doctor sighed. "Mild dizziness is normal after a head injury, but if you insist..."

Gregory, ever the doting husband, didn't hesitate. "Admit her. I want her properly examined."

In the private ward, Victoria was hooked to an IV drip—anti-inflammatory, pain relief—her performance rewarded with Gregory's undivided attention. He hovered over her, stroking her hair as if she were on death's door.

Cassandra smirked in satisfaction. Everything was falling back into place.

Then she turned to Evelyn, her voice dripping with venom. "Today was supposed to be perfect. Breakfast with Mom and Dad—happy, peaceful. But the moment you showed up, everything fell apart. What do you even want?"