Chapter 468

Cassandra's eyes gleamed as she sifted through racks of designer clothes, all untouched with tags still attached.

She slipped into several pairs of shoes that caught her eye, marveling at how perfectly they fit.

Lillian's height, body shape, and shoe size were nearly identical to hers. Cassandra couldn't contain her delight—it was as if these luxurious items had been tailor-made for her!

As she continued browsing, she turned to Lillian. "Just tell me what you need me to do. I'll give it my all."

"Evelyn may have rejected Dominic's proposal, but he made sure the media wouldn't smear her name. That doesn't sit right with me." Lillian's voice was sharp. "Here's what I want you to do, Cassandra. Buy up every trending topic and keyword across all major platforms—Twitter, Yahoo, TMZ, Instagram. I want Evelyn's reputation destroyed beyond repair. Make sure she can't show her face in A City again. Money isn't an issue—I'll cover everything. You just need to handle the negotiations."

"And don't overlook those influencers with millions of followers. Their reach is massive. Also, target the struggling print media outlets. The big players might fear Dominic, but the small ones? They're desperate. They'll publish anything for a quick buck."

Lillian was undeniably cunning.

With the decline of print media, many had shifted online, relying on social media for survival.

Cassandra hesitated, recalling Dominic's icy glare at the engagement ceremony.

"Lillian, you know Dominic controls A City. He can manipulate the news flow. I doubt anyone would dare cross him..."

Lillian cut her off. "What are you so afraid of? My father is the Provincial Committee Secretary. With me backing you, no one will touch you. Didn't you always want to break into the entertainment industry? Once this is done, I'll make sure you get roles. Big ones."

The promise ignited Cassandra's ambition. Visions of fame and adoring fans flashed through her mind.

"Fine," she said firmly. "I'll do it."

Meanwhile, tension thickened the air at Blackwood Manor.

Reginald Blackwood slammed his walking stick against the floor. "That reckless boy! Causing a scene at his own engagement and then vanishing without a word? He's ruined the family's reputation!"

Julian Blackwood placed a calming hand on his grandfather's shoulder. "Dominic never acts without reason. Something must have happened. Let's hear him out when he returns."

Reginald Sinclair sighed deeply. "I apologize, Reginald. Evelyn has always been thoughtful and composed. She must have been unwell—her complexion was off at the ceremony."

Gwendolyn Sinclair nodded in agreement. "My niece isn't the type to cause a scene. Dominic said she had a fever. Please understand."

They pleaded for understanding, convinced there was more to Evelyn's rejection.

Margaret Lockwood sat quietly, sipping tea as if the chaos didn't concern her.

Beatrice Lockwood, however, was livid. She jabbed a finger at Reginald and Gwendolyn. "How dare you defend that shameless girl? She humiliated my son in front of everyone! Clearly, she wasn't raised right. And you—" She sneered. "No wonder she turned out this way, coming from a family like yours!"

Reginald Sinclair's face paled. He had never been insulted so brazenly.

His hands trembled with anger. "You—you—"

Beatrice scoffed. "What? It's the truth. That girl seduced my son, got herself pregnant, and now she dares to reject him publicly? She has no shame! And neither do any of you!"

Her words struck like venom.

Reginald Sinclair had thought Dominic was a good man, but his mother was another matter entirely.

He had hoped Evelyn would eventually win Beatrice over, but now he saw the truth.

This woman would never accept his granddaughter.

And he would never allow Evelyn to suffer under such cruelty.