Chapter 238

Natasha seethed with resentment toward Vivian. How had Vivian escaped such a horrific fate?

The injustice burned in Natasha's chest. Why was she the one suffering while Vivian remained untouched?

If only Vivian had been the one violated and lost at sea, Natasha wouldn't be trapped in this nightmare.

Now, consumed by vengeance, Natasha's only purpose was to make Vivian experience the same agony, to drag her down into the abyss.

Outside Natasha's hospital room, officers interrogated Richard Dawson, whose face showed visible discomfort.

Beside him, Daphne Fairchild's usual polished appearance had vanished.

Her hair was pulled back carelessly, her makeup-free face revealing deep lines of exhaustion.

"This is outrageous!" Richard protested. "My daughter's been assaulted, yet you're treating us like suspects instead of finding the real criminals!"

The lead detective met his gaze steadily. "We take Miss Dawson's trauma very seriously. However, Maxwell Sterling, the identified ringleader, is connected to another abduction case—" His eyes flicked between Richard and Daphne, watching for reactions.

Daphne's tears abruptly stopped. She looked away abruptly.

Richard frowned. "Natasha barely leaves the house. How could she be involved in any kidnapping?"

The officer's voice hardened. "The other victim appears to be Vivian Hartley—your other daughter."

"Vivian?" Richard whirled on Daphne. "What the hell is going on here?"

"I—I don't know anything!" Daphne stammered, dabbing at dry eyes with a tissue. "My daughter's the victim here! How can you expect me to think about anything else?"

Before Richard could respond, approaching footsteps drew their attention.

Vivian and Adrian Blackwood strode down the corridor, with Ethan Caldwell following like a shadow, his presence more commanding than the officers'.

Daphne sprang up. "What are you doing here? Come to gloat over Natasha's suffering?"

Vivian's expression remained unreadable. "I don't keep score with people beneath me."

"Besides," she added coolly, "I only look forward, never back. Why would I waste energy on those I've already surpassed?"

Richard's face darkened. "Vivian! That's enough! How dare you speak to Daphne like that? Where are your manners?"

Vivian lifted her chin. "Manners are wasted on someone who tried to have me killed."

"What vile accusation is this?" Richard raised his hand threateningly.

Adrian intercepted the blow effortlessly. "Strike my wife in front of me, and you'll have the entire Blackwood family to answer to."