Chapter 202

Nathan retrieved an envelope from his desk drawer and slid it across the polished mahogany surface toward Evelyn. "You'll want to see this."

The envelope contained a stack of photographs.

Evelyn flipped through them slowly, her expression darkening with each image.

Despite being over two decades old, the photos were startlingly clear. The woman in heavy makeup and scandalous attire, entertaining a group of men, was unmistakably Laura.

Some shots showed her locked in passionate embraces with multiple men, others captured her performing suggestive dances on tabletops. The most damning ones depicted her in compromising positions with different partners. This wild, unrestrained version of Laura was nothing like the composed schemer Evelyn had known.

A chilling realization struck her. If Laura's past was this debauched... could it mean...?

Nathan's lips curved knowingly at her expression. "The Underground Freeway crowd remembers Laura well. Nine out of ten were her regular clients."

The word "clients" confirmed Evelyn's suspicion.

Laura was a prostitute.

"You're saying she has connections there?"

"Precisely. How else could she have arranged your kidnapping so easily?"

Evelyn's eyes turned stormy. "Then Vivian might not actually be Father's child."

Nathan's smirk deepened. "Sharp as ever. DNA tests confirm Vivian isn't Richard's daughter."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Laura's deception has lasted this long!

"Frankly," Nathan continued, "Laura probably doesn't even know who Vivian's real father is. Your father was simply the most convenient mark."

His voice dropped lower. "And now she's planning to get pregnant by someone else and pass the child off as Richard's."

Evelyn froze, pieces clicking into place.

The sudden pregnancy announcement. The rushed divorce proceedings. She's buying time to conceive another man's child and claim it's Father's.

Not this time.

Evelyn studied the photos, a dangerous smile forming. "May I keep these?"

"By all means." Amusement glittered in Nathan's eyes as he watched her tuck the evidence away.

Meanwhile, at the Vanderbilt estate...

Since announcing her pregnancy, Laura had been treated like royalty. Madam Victoria forbade her from lifting a finger, insisting she rest for the baby's sake.

Laura basked in her newfound status. Vivian was safely established as a de Arma, and the Vanderbilts were finally showing her proper respect.

But one thought nagged at her: When will I actually conceive?

The doorbell interrupted her worries.

A courier stood outside. "Package for Ms. Laura Scott?"

"That's me." Laura frowned, unable to recall any recent purchases.

The nondescript box bore no return address. Her hands trembled as she peeled back the packaging.

The color drained from her face.

She hastily rewrapped the parcel as her phone rang. Seeing Vivian's name, she clutched the damning evidence to her chest and fled upstairs.