As soon as Cassidy finished talking, everyone stared at her in shock.
Ryder immediately shouted, "No way!"
'Ashton was super sick; how could Cassidy be pregnant with his kid? Plus, I've never heard anything about her being pregnant before—how could she suddenly be expecting? She must be lying!' Ryder thought, slamming his hands on the table and glaring at Cassidy, trying to read her mind. "Cassidy, you know what happens if you're lying to us!"
Cassidy knew the risks of her lie being exposed, but she had no other choice. She held her stomach protectively, her face calm despite the chaos inside her. "Ryder, believe it or not, I am pregnant."
Ryder frowned, unable to find any cracks in her expression. He walked over and grabbed Cassidy's wrist, trying to drag her outside. "Cassidy, let's go to the hospital for a check-up."
Easton quickly grabbed Ryder's wrist, making him wince in pain and let go of Cassidy. Stepping in front of her, Easton stood firm. "It's late, where do you think you're taking her? She wouldn't lie about this. I believe she's really pregnant."
Ryder hesitated, glancing at Easton. He knew better than to underestimate him. Not only was Easton ruthless, but he also had powerful support behind him. Ryder couldn't afford to push things too far right now. Declan and Owen were also shocked by Cassidy's news, but Easton's words reminded them of something more important.
Owen stood up to Ryder. "Ryder, if Cassidy's pregnant, you can't stop her from signing the agreement!" He glanced at Cassidy.
Cassidy noticed and smiled at him gratefully, causing Owen to blush and quickly look away.
Declan agreed with Owen but noticed Owen's sneaky glances at Cassidy. He found it odd but didn't dwell on it. "Ryder, got anything else to say? If not, let Cassidy sign."
Seeing his brothers protect Cassidy, Ryder frowned deeply. Even if he didn't believe she was pregnant, he couldn't take her to the hospital right now.
He cursed, "Cassidy, this isn't over." His sinister look made Cassidy's heart race.
Easton felt uncomfortable with Ryder's gaze, like his prized possession was being eyed by someone else. He stepped in to block Ryder's view, his tone sharp. "Ryder, get out of here!"
Ryder snorted but eventually stormed out.
Since Cassidy announced her pregnancy, the lawyer had been on edge. He knew Ashton's sons were tough. Ryder bringing up the prenuptial agreement was a clear move against Cassidy; if she didn't handle it today, she might be kicked out of the Cooper family.
But he was surprised to see that, aside from Ryder, Ashton's other sons were all backing Cassidy, even though she hadn't interacted with them much while Ashton was alive.
The lawyer had a ton of questions but knew better than to ask. He put the prenuptial agreement aside and pulled out the documents he had prepped for today.
Cassidy felt the tension in the room ease slightly after Ryder stormed out. She signed her name on the papers, securing the assets Ashton had left for her.
The lawyer double-checked everything and then said politely, "Mrs. Cooper, I'll be on my way now. If you have any questions, just let me know."
Cassidy nodded and asked the butler to see him out.
Owen was over the moon. "Cassidy, that's awesome. Now Ryder can't get his hands on what Dad left you!"
"Yeah," Cassidy said, feeling a bit of happiness herself. "Thanks for your help." She looked sincerely at the men in front of her, knowing that without them, Ryder would have dragged her to the hospital, exposing her lie about being pregnant.
Owen quickly looked away, shaking his hands. "I didn't do anything."
Declan nodded. "Owen's right; we didn't do much, so no need to thank us."
Easton stood aside, watching silently.
Cassidy glanced at him. Though Easton looked calm, there was an intensity in his eyes that made her uneasy. She quickly said goodbye and headed to her room.
Once in her room, Cassidy finally relaxed, though the recent events still played in her mind like a dream. Suddenly, the sound of the door opening caught her attention. Cassidy turned around in panic to see Easton walking in.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, a bit annoyed, thinking today's events were likely his doing.
Easton closed the door, looking at her belly, and smiled. "How do you plan to deal with this non-existent child?"
He stepped forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her close. Turning her around, he pushed her against the wall, trapping her between his arms. He pinched her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "Need my help?"
His grip made her hurt, and Cassidy wanted to slap his hand away, but Easton quickly grabbed her hands, pinning them above her head against the wall.
"It's just a child; I can get pregnant by any man," she said, knowing it would anger him but wanting to vent. "So there's no need to trouble you!"
Easton tightened his grip on her chin, making her cry out in pain. He lowered his head and kissed her, his tongue invading her mouth. "Cassidy, say that again, I dare you!"
He bit her exposed skin, like a predator with its prey.
Cassidy was in so much pain she started pulling at his hair, but it didn't help.
Easton tore off her clothes, pulling down her bra but getting frustrated with the clasp. His fingers grasped her breast, kneading it roughly. His touch made her feel both pain and a strange itch, her nipples hardening from the friction.
Cassidy moaned in pain, her voice breathy and enticing. She couldn't see Easton's face; all she could hear was his heavy breathing. She felt his rough hands and the searing kisses on her skin.
Easton fumbled with her bra clasp, growing frustrated, and ended up yanking it off. He lowered his head, taking her nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting eagerly.