Chapter 646

Vanessa swiftly stepped between Richard and Margaret. "Mom, please. Dad and Evelyn were just playing around. It wasn't serious. Evelyn's fine. Why make this into a family drama?"

Margaret scoffed. "Fine now, but what if she'd gotten hurt? Richard wouldn't be standing here so casually if that were the case."

Richard swallowed his pride, attempting to placate Margaret. "Darling, our son's graduation is coming up. Soon he'll be looking for a wife. Shouldn't we keep the peace? Just this once, let it go."

Margaret shot him an icy glare before turning to Evelyn. "Fine. Then apologize to Evelyn."

Richard, a man in his fifties, struggled to humble himself before someone younger.

But under Margaret's unrelenting stare, he relented.

He approached Evelyn, forcing civility into his tone.

"Evelyn, you know your father has a temper. I acted rashly today. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

Silence stretched between them until Margaret pressed, "What exactly did you—"

"—do? It was just a stupid argument. I shouldn’t have made her leave. This is her home. She can come and go as she pleases."

Richard's apology sounded sincere.

Being thrown out months ago had left a lasting impression.

With winter approaching, another expulsion would ruin his Christmas.

"Evelyn," Vanessa pleaded, "Dad’s already humbling himself. Can’t you let this go?"

Richard’s chest warmed at Vanessa’s defense.

His sweet daughter’s loyalty hadn’t been misplaced.

Evelyn had had enough of their performance.

Without a word, she turned toward the stairs. "I’m tired. I’m going to rest."

No one dared stop her.

Richard turned to Margaret hopefully. "Does this mean she’s forgiven me? Can I keep sleeping on your floor?"

Margaret merely snorted.

Taking her silence as consent, Richard hurried outside to retrieve the clothes the maid had tossed out earlier.

Vanessa trailed behind him, wiping away a fake tear.

"Dad, you’re living so miserably here. How can Mom treat you like this?"

Richard exhaled heavily.

From household head to Margaret’s subordinate—he’d struggled with the shift.

But it didn’t matter. As long as Horizon Enterprises thrived, he could endure humiliation at home. At least he still commanded respect outside.

Vanessa leaned in, whispering, "Mom says she loves you deeply. She’ll wait forever, even if you never see her again."

Richard stiffened. "You visited Evelyn Sinclair in secret?"

Margaret had forced Vanessa to cut ties, threatening banishment from Hawthorne Estate.

But Vanessa could never truly abandon her birth mother.

"Mom knows you’re suffering. She’s learned new massage techniques. She could ease your tension if you visit."

Richard fell silent.

He had no real feelings for Evelyn Sinclair. She’d merely been gentler, more attentive than Margaret.

But with Margaret watching him like a hawk, he didn’t dare risk it.

One slip-up had been forgiven. A second would be unforgivable.

Sacrificing his career for a woman wasn’t worth it.

He waved dismissively. "Tell your mother to remarry."

With that, he grabbed his clothes and retreated inside.

Vanessa stared after him, stunned.

Remarry?

Evelyn Sinclair had devoted her life to Richard. Now, past her prime, who would take her?

Men were all the same—ruthlessly pragmatic when their interests were at stake.

Lost in bitterness, Vanessa climbed the stairs and knocked on Evelyn’s door.

"What?"

"High school reunion. Are you coming?"

Evelyn blinked. A reunion?

As former vice president, Vanessa was notifying classmates.

Evelyn was about to decline when Claire called.

"Evelyn, what are you wearing to the reunion? I’m buying a fur coat. Once I’m dressed to kill, I’ll steal the spotlight!"

Evelyn hesitated. She’d planned to skip it, but Claire would insist.

"I’ll be there," she told Vanessa.

"Check your phone. The location’s in the group chat."

Vanessa smirked. "You look exhausted. Not sleeping well? Losing Alexander to another woman must sting."

Her gaze dropped to Evelyn’s stomach.

"Who knew even pregnancy couldn’t keep him? Alexander’s heart is colder than I thought. Weren’t you two always so lovey-dovey?"

Vanessa leaned closer. "Now you understand how it feels when your husband loves someone else."

Lately, Vanessa had wanted the Whitmores to suffer double what they’d inflicted.

Despite her pregnancy, she held no status in their family—oppressed by Eleanor, despised by her husband.

The humiliation made her want to tear Evelyn apart.

Evelyn studied Vanessa as if she were insane.

Alexander had spent last night with her. He cared. Their bond was unshaken by Isabella.

But explaining to Vanessa was pointless. Evelyn slammed the door.

The force nearly caught Vanessa’s belly.

Stumbling back, Vanessa clutched her stomach—then smiled.

Evelyn’s anger meant she’d struck a nerve.

Back in her room, Evelyn checked her college group chat.

The reunion fell on her and Alexander’s anniversary.

What a coincidence.

Their first anniversary, with their baby due soon.

She wanted to spend it with him.

But he might be at the hospital with Isabella that day...

With only days left and Alexander silent about their anniversary, she wondered—had he forgotten?