The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 458 A Nightmare She Could Not Wake From

That night, Laura didn't sleep well. She had a long, terrifying nightmare

In the dream, a massive, bloated white grub was crushing her chest, suffocating her under its weight. Then, it began laying thousands of tiny larvae, which squirmed and burrowed relentlessly into her skin, disappearing beneath the surface.

Laura struggled desperately to push the grotesque creature off her, but her limbs were paralyzed-useless. Her terror reached its peak as she opened her mouth to scream for Wesley, but no matter how hard she tried, not a single sound came out.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. Suddenly, the white grub let out a chilling, inhuman cackle. At that moment, the bedroom door creaked open, and Cassie walked in.

But she was nothing like the gentle, affectionate sister-in-law Laura knew. Cassie wore a red wedding gown, her figure illuminated by the eerie glow of a lantern she held in her hand. A thin layer of white fuzz clung to the lantern's surface.

"Cassie, help me!"

Laura managed to choke out the words, stretching a trembling hand toward her.

But Cassie only giggled softly. She stepped forward, placing the lantern in Laura's outstretched palm. The moment Laura touched it, the white fuzz covering the lantern detached like the tiny larvae before and burrowed into her skin.

Cassie crouched beside her, reaching out to brush Laura's damp hair from her forehead.

"Laura, don't worry," she whispered sweetly. "I'll take good care of Marcus."

The warmth in her voice sent a chill down Laura's spine.

"Wesley loves you. Even my father cherishes you. But why?" Cassie's voice turned sharp, mocking.

"Before you showed up, I was the princess of the Holden family. I was the one they adored. But after you came, their hearts shifted away from me."

Cassie's expression darkened. "Besides, you don't deserve Wesley!"

She traced Laura's cheek with a light touch. "You're pretty, sure. But what else do you have over me?

"Still, I should thank you. My father always wanted a grandson, and you gave him exactly that. Wesley and I—well, we're blood siblings. We can't have children together. So consider this baby your repayment to the Holden family.

"I've treated you so well-fed you, clothed you, entertained you. It's only fair that you return the favor, don't you think?"

Laura's body trembled violently. "Cassie... you—"

Her voice faltered, unable to form the words. She stared at Cassie, her eyes filled with shock-and fear.

love Wesley." She brought her lips close to Laura's ear and whispered, "If I weren't his biological sister,

one can stop me from being with him. And if we

was crystal

love him. As for you? You were just brought in to bear our child. But don't worry. I'll raise Marcus

rose in a strangled

on her chest burst apart,

body disappeared. With newfound strength, Laura shoved

know what kind of person you are?" she

"You're terrifying. Truly terrifying."

smiled. "Of

caught in

think I did all of this without his knowledge, did you?" Cassie

Father? Does he

her head, her smile deepening. "Father?

think he treats

Laura's vision blurred.

a tool. Enjoy

she

and turned toward

and I will finally

I'm in a

you watch our wedding

Holden-"A deep, authoritative voice cut through

lights flashed on, revealing Charles standing in the doorway, his expression thunderous.

monster! How dare you do

the basement!

with fury as he turned to Sheldon.

before responding carefully, "Ms. Cassie drugged him. The effects have already taken hold, so he can't come right now. I've summoned the

interjected, looking up from where she had fallen. Her cheek was red and swollen, but she laughed anyway. "The drug I gave

you cherish Laura?" Cassie sneered. "I poisoned her with Umbrahex-and only I have the cure. But

me,

Laura better than you

right to keep

has given you one. Isn't it time