Chapter 319

With Julian Montgomery away and Mrs. Montgomery still recuperating overseas, Cassandra Blackwood's plan to gain favor hit a temporary roadblock. Still, the mere thought of Julian accepting her gift sent her pulse racing. Sleep would be elusive tonight.

That afternoon, beneath the sprawling oak tree in the Montgomery estate's garden, the two women indulged in tea while admiring the autumn foliage.

"Isabelle, when did you meet Evelyn?" Cassandra's voice carried a sharp edge, laced with thinly veiled resentment.

"I ran into her backstage after my piano recital the other day," Isabelle replied airily, crossing her legs as she took a sip of Earl Grey.

Her gaze flicked to Cassandra, sharp and assessing. "Judging by your tone, you have quite the grudge against her."

"Grudge?" Cassandra scoffed, her fingers tightening around her cup. "It's more like an all-out war."

"That serious?"

"You've been abroad too long, Isabelle. There's so much you don't know." Cassandra's lips curled into a sneer. "Evelyn is a master manipulator—pulling Nathan's and Julian's strings like puppets. She's turned everything upside down!"

"The Blackwood family is in complete disarray because of her!"

"What? My brother is interested in her too?" Isabelle's expression darkened.

"Julian was ensnared by that witch! She has a way with men—a born seductress!" Cassandra's cheeks flushed with fury. "Luckily, they're not as close now. I suppose she's already moved on to her next victim."

"Julian doesn't fall for just anyone. He's the one who plays with women, not the other way around." Isabelle smirked. "Evelyn was probably just another fleeting fling. He never keeps the same woman twice. She's disposable. Trust me, I know him better than anyone."

Noticing Cassandra's distress, Isabelle softened her tone, offering a reassuring smile.

"But you, Cassandra, are different. Our families have strong ties. With my help, you'll win Julian over."

Cassandra nearly teared up. "Oh, Isabelle! You're such a true friend!" She felt as though happiness was finally within reach.

"By the way," Isabelle leaned in, her voice lowering, "what's the deal between Evelyn and Nathan? That's what concerns me most."

Cassandra's fists clenched. "Just mentioning it makes my blood boil! She's his ex-wife!"

"What?!" Isabelle shot to her feet, her teacup crashing onto the grass. "Ex-wife?! How is that possible? Nathan just broke up with Victoria! He was never married!"

"Oh, you didn't know." Cassandra smirked. "They had a secret marriage and only recently divorced. And guess who arranged it? My grandfather."

Seeing Isabelle's growing interest in Nathan, Cassandra seized the opportunity to stoke the flames. "Even after the divorce, Nathan and Evelyn remained close. Victoria tried clinging to him twice, making a scene, but he hadn't fully moved on from Evelyn! She brought it on herself with her petty schemes, but can anyone deny that breaking up with her had nothing to do with that viper, Evelyn?"

Now it was Isabelle's turn to seethe.

"No wonder! That night, the way Nathan looked at her—like she had him under a spell." Isabelle gritted her teeth, bitterness seeping into her voice. "Victoria fought for over a decade to win his heart. How did that woman become his wife? What right did she have?!"

Her words dripped with venom. "Cassandra, if you don't mind, I'd love to be your sister-in-law!"

Cassandra nearly choked. This girl really doesn’t hold back!

"Of course I don’t mind! Compared to that ruthless, scheming Victoria, I’d much rather have you in the family!" Cassandra quickly pledged her allegiance.

"Since we both have clear goals, why not form an alliance?" Isabelle moved closer, gripping Cassandra’s shoulders firmly. "I’ll help you win my brother, and you help me with Nathan. Deal?"

Cassandra hesitated. "Isabelle, you know my family dynamics. My relationship with Nathan is... complicated. I’m not as close to him as you are to Julian. I’m afraid I won’t be much help!"

Her words were sincere. In her eyes, this was nearly an impossible task.