Chapter 1346 Turning A Foe Into An Ally The next morning, Ste apanied Queenie to the hospital to have their blood drawn for the DNA test. In a few days, the results would be ready, bringing either closure or upheaval.
Queenie observed the frail-looking girl beside her. Ste''s gaunt appearance tugged at Queenie''s heart, yet she didn''t extend the same warmth she had once given Cassina. This time, Queenie''s instincts told her to be cautious, and she chose to withhold any decisions until the results were out.
At the same time, Queenie had discreetly sent someone to investigate Ste''s past. It was true that she had grown up in Tud Orphanage, just as she imed. Unfortunately, her exact birth date had been lost due to iplete records. "Why is yourst name Ross if you were never adopted?" Queenie asked, watching for Ste''s reaction.
Ste answered without hesitation, "The woman who cared for me in the orphanage had thest name Ross. I took her name to honor her."
"I see," Queenie responded. "I''ve also heard you have some history with the Smith family?"
Ste knew Queenie wouldn''t be easily deceived, so she carefully crafted her reply. "Yes, the Smith family funded my education. I''m deeply grateful for their help. Sadly, I never had the chance to repay their kindness before they passed."N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
She sighed, casting her eyes downward. "It''s my own fault. I haven''t aplished anything since graduating."
Her candid tone eased some of Queenie''s suspicion.
Meanwhile, Cassandra had thought that with Cassina out of the picture, her ce in the family was secure. But now another potential heiress had shown up, just as determined to im a ce in the Jamieson legacy.
After leaving Queenie''s room, Ste didn''t leave immediately. Instead, she sought out Cassandra.
"Ms. Evans," she said respectfully, her eyes resting on Cassandra''s growing belly. "You must be four or five months along by now. It looks like you''re having a boy. Have you considered starting prenatal education? And why isn''t the child''s father more involved?" Ste''s words were carefully chosen, designed to stir doubts in Cassandra''s mind. She had learned about Cassandra''splicated rtionship with Nichs and knew just how to exploit it.
Based on her understanding of men,
it was clear to her that Nichs had no feelings for his wife. Moreover, Ste was certain that Nichs was fond of Cecilia.
Sure enough, Cassandra''s expression hardened. "Why are you talking about things that don''t concern you?"
Ste feigned concern. "I''m sorry, I just thought after all your efforts to win over Mr. Nichs, he shouldn''t still be preupied with Cecilia." Cassandra''s eyes narrowed, anger shing across her face. "What are you talking about? Who said Nichs was thinking about Cecilia?"
Ste pressed on, pretending to be worried for Cassandra. "I thought you knew. I''ve been hurt by Cecilia myself. I''m just concerned that she might take advantage of your kindness." en
Cassandra''s curiosity piqued. "How exactly did Cecilia hurt you?"
Ste spun a careful story, recounting her past with Nathaniel and Zachary, while shifting the me entirely onto Cecilia.
"She''s always had a way of
charming men. I waited for
ner
Nathaniel for eight years and ended up with nothing. Even my friend Zachary chose her over me. She''s dangerous, Ms. Evans, and from what I''ve heard, Mr. Nichs has been entangled with her for years. You should be cautious."
Cassandra''s face darkened as she absorbed Ste''s words. She now saw Ste as an ally rather than a threat, her attitude softening.
"This Cecilia is more trouble than I realized," Cassandra muttered. "I''m not even sure how to handle her."
"She knows how to y her cards," Ste replied. "I''d be happy to share what I know if it would help you." ""Sure," Cassandra said, leading Ste to her room.
In just a few moments, Ste had managed to turn Cassandra, once a foe, into a potential ally. Meanwhile, over at the Smith residence, Cecilia sneezed repeatedly. Each time, her baby shifted inside her.