Chapter 185

The evening air was still warm from dinner when Alexander retreated to his study to attend to some pressing matters.

Evelyn caught snippets of Simon's voice through the door, reminding him of an upcoming late-night meeting.

Her office attire clung uncomfortably after hours of wear, now infused with lingering traces of garlic and herbs. A quick shower later, she slipped into a flowing maxi dress, the soft fabric a welcome change.

The mirror reflected subtle changes—gentler curves where sharp angles used to be. Two weeks of consistent meals had softened her frame, replacing the gauntness with something healthier.

She smiled, pleased. The effort was paying off.

Dark clouds gathered outside, the weather app warning of an approaching storm.

Better retrieve her cello now before the downpour began.

Evelyn snatched her phone and typed:

[Heading back to Hawthorne Estate.]

Alexander's phone chimed with her distinct notification tone. Work forgotten, he strode out just in time to hear the front door click shut below.

The engagement party would have to wait. His response was brief: [I'll come get you when I'm finished.]

[Don't bother,] she typed back.

Evelyn wasn’t the type to make a scene. A taxi would do just fine. There was no reason to drag Alexander back and forth across the city.

At six-fifteen, Evelyn arrived at Hawthorne Estate.

The sky had darkened, heavy clouds gathering ominously in the distance.

The housekeeper greeted her at the door. "Miss Carter, you're home."

Hearing the noise, Richard and Margaret emerged, their smiles strained.

When they saw Evelyn standing alone in the doorway, their eyes immediately flickered behind her.

No Alexander.

Their expressions hardened instantly.

Richard scoffed, turning on his heel without a word. Margaret, however, didn’t hold back.

"What is this? Where’s Alexander? You promised you’d bring him for dinner! He hasn’t even properly introduced himself to us. Isn’t that basic courtesy?"

Evelyn’s voice was cool. "Rules are rules, but people aren’t bound by them. He’s swamped with work and barely has time to breathe. Expecting him to drop everything for dinner is unrealistic."

Her eyes flickered to the doorway, and Evelyn froze in surprise. Vanessa wasn't alone—Ethan sat beside her, his presence like an unexpected storm cloud.

Evelyn's gaze lingered for only a heartbeat before she sharply looked away.

Just her luck.

Across the room, Ethan's attention remained fixed on her.

Vanessa noticed the way his eyes tracked Evelyn and felt irritation prickle under her skin.

With deliberate sweetness, she peeled a grape and pressed it to Ethan's lips.

When he turned to her, Vanessa offered a demure smile. She laced her fingers through his, her grip possessive.

"I don't buy that Alexander's too busy to see us," Richard snapped, his glare boring into Evelyn.

"Let's be real—if you meant anything to him, would he treat you this way? Look at Vanessa. Every time she comes home, doesn't Ethan drop everything to be with her?" His lip curled. "You're sisters. Why are you such a disappointment?"

Evelyn's face went cold.

Her finger jabbed toward Vanessa. "That's right, I'm not like her—no talent for stealing men and playing the perfect little puppet." Her voice turned razor-sharp. "Maybe you should explain how you raised such a masterpiece of manipulation instead."

"You—!"

The air crackled with tension.

Evelyn's chest burned. She wouldn't let them twist the knife deeper. Not this time.

Vanessa's grip on Ethan tightened, her smile never wavering. But her eyes—those betrayed the fury simmering beneath.

Evelyn met her stare head-on.

Game on.

Richard's face drained of color, his fury palpable. Evelyn's sharp words had struck a nerve, offending everyone present.

Vanessa's eyes welled up with tears. Her fingers quivered as they intertwined with Ethan's.

"Evelyn, if you're upset, direct it at me," Vanessa pleaded, her voice trembling. "Why involve Mom, Dad, and Ethan? What have they done to deserve this?"

"Spare me the theatrics," Evelyn snapped.

Her icy gaze swept over Vanessa before she turned on her heel and strode toward the storage room without another word.