Chapter 26 Chapter 26
Cassandra crossed her legs on the leather chair in Nathaniel’s mansion, sipping wine like a queen. The air around her smelled of victory. The maids she had insulted earlier moved like shadows, afraid to breathe near her.
She smirked, twirling the glass in her hand. “Finally… this house feels like mine.”
Just then, her phone buzzed. The name flashing on the screen made her lips curl wider. It was her closest friend, Vanessa — the only one who knew her real heart.
Cassandra picked the call. “Vanessa, darling! Guess where I am right now?”
Vanessa’s playful voice came through the line. “I know. You’re in the mansion, aren’t you? Living like the madam you always wanted to be.”
Cassandra laughed. “More than that. Nathaniel is completely in my hand. He believes everything I say. Soon, Savannah will be nothing but a forgotten shadow.”
There was silence for a second, then Vanessa asked, “But are you sure she won’t crawl back? You know women like her — they cry, they beg, they twist stories. What if Nathaniel discovers she’s still alive?”
Cassandra’s smile turned sharp. “That’s why I need you. We have to be two steps ahead. I’ve already burned her things, erased her scent from this house. And guess what? Nathaniel thinks the divorce papers are real. He trusts me because I’m sweet in front of him.”
Vanessa giggled. “You’ve always been the best actress. So what’s next?”
Cassandra leaned forward, her eyes dark. “The baby. That child is my biggest problem. If Nathaniel ever learns Savannah carried his heir, I’ll lose everything. So we have to make sure he never finds out.”
Vanessa’s tone lowered. “You mean…”
“Yes,” Cassandra whispered with venom. “Either Savannah disappears forever, or the baby does. That’s the only way I can secure my place here.”
Vanessa gasped lightly, then chuckled. “You’re wicked, Cassandra. But I like it.”
Cassandra smiled, a cruel glint in her eyes. “Wicked women rule the world, my dear.”
Their laughter blended through the phone, sharp and cold.
Later that evening, Vanessa came over. She was tall, bold, with heavy makeup — the type who thrived on gossip and chaos. The two friends sat on the balcony, plotting like hunters.
Vanessa crossed her arms. “If you want Savannah gone, we must find her first. Do you have any idea where she is?”
Cassandra hissed. “That’s the problem. She vanished after storming out. I thought she’d run to her family, but no news. It’s like she disappeared into thin air.”
Vanessa tapped her chin. “Maybe she has someone helping her.”
Cassandra scoffed. “Savannah? She’s too pathetic for that. Nobody wants a broke pregnant woman. Unless…” Her voice trailed off, her mind working fast. “Unless some fool pitied her. If that’s true, we’ll find out soon enough.”
Vanessa leaned closer. “Then let me put my people on the street. You know me, I have eyes everywhere. If she’s hiding, we’ll drag her out.”
Cassandra’s smile grew wider. “Good. The sooner, the better. Nathaniel is already asking questions about why I don’t want him to bring Savannah’s name up. He must never know the truth. If she shows her face, my crown will fall.”
Vanessa burst out laughing. “Relax, darling. By the time I’m done, Savannah will regret ever being born. And Nathaniel… well, men are easy. Feed them lies and pleasure, and they’ll never see the knife in your hand.”
Cassandra raised her glass. “To lies, then. To pleasure. And to my future as Mrs. Nathaniel for real.”
They clinked glasses, their laughter sharp against the night.
But behind her smile, Cassandra’s heart raced. She knew time was running. She could already feel Nathaniel’s restless eyes on her, his occasional distance. She needed to tighten her grip before the truth surfaced.
Vanessa leaned back, lowering her voice. “One more thing, Cassie. You must be careful. Women like Savannah… they look weak, but life has a way of lifting them up again. Don’t underestimate her.”
Cassandra’s expression hardened. “That’s why I won’t rest until I crush her completely.”
The moon shone over the mansion, lighting Cassandra’s face — beautiful, but filled with darkness. A woman ready to destroy anything that stood between her and power.
She smiled to herself, whispering under her breath.
“Savannah, wherever you are, enjoy your last days of peace. Because soon… I’ll come for you.”