Chapter 144

The Lockwood family manor.

Frederick stood on the second-floor balcony, his mood darkening by the minute.

Eleanor climbed the stairs, searching for her husband before finally spotting him.

"What are you planning to do?" Eleanor knew Frederick's temper. Normally composed, their son had a way of pushing him to his limits.

She was still his mother. No matter how reckless Maxwell was, she couldn’t help but shield him.

Frederick scoffed. "When your son gets back, let’s hear what brilliant excuse he has for Reginald."

Eleanor tensed. "Isn’t it obvious? You know him better than anyone. The priority isn’t his explanation—it’s calming Reginald down!"

As parents, they understood their son’s schemes all too well.

His sudden marriage announcement, the rushed certificate...

Then there was the day he brought Evelyn home—unconscious. She’d left without a word when she woke.

And the tension at the family dinner after their marriage.

Putting it all together, Eleanor saw the truth. This marriage wasn’t legitimate. Something was off.

Frederick turned sharply. "You expect me to cover for him? He’s in his thirties! I’m done cleaning up his messes. Reginald brought Alexander here demanding answers—how am I supposed to face him after this?"

Eleanor had no defense, so she redirected.

Her gaze dropped to the car parked outside, voice dripping with disdain. "Anyone would think your sister isn’t family. She just sits in the car like she’s above it all."

Frederick snapped, "Leave her out of this. This is about you and your son. You spoiled him rotten—this is your doing!"

"My doing?" Eleanor’s temper flared. "You’ve always resented him because he’s mine, not Genevieve’s. Face it—she chose a Provincial Secretary over you. And since her husband’s sterile, maybe you’d like to—"

She regretted the words instantly but couldn’t stop.

"Every time I mention your sister, you defend her. No wonder the Blackwoods want nothing to do with us. Do I look like I enjoy groveling to Reginald? Is he our dictator now?"

Their argument raged on.

Downstairs, an Audi pulled in.

Evelyn stepped out. Olivia, in the passenger seat, turned. "Don’t worry. We’re here."

"If anyone gives you trouble, call us," Abigail added, slurring slightly but still coherent.

They weren’t leaving Evelyn alone tonight. Olivia’s boyfriend and his Audi had come in handy.

Before Evelyn reached the manor gates, Beatrice intercepted her.

She’d stayed behind, waiting.

Leaning close, Beatrice hissed, "You ignored my calls. So tell me—what’s your game? First my son, now my nephew?"

Evelyn met her gaze. "Ask your nephew about his games."

Beatrice sneered. "Marrying your cousin? Disgusting. Is this how your family raised you?"

Evelyn’s voice was ice. "Maybe it’s the bad blood from my mother’s side." She brushed past Beatrice and entered.

She knew Maxwell was her cousin. But his threats left her no choice—she had to protect Dominic.

Their marriage had been built on coercion from the start.

Unless forced, she wouldn’t be alone with Maxwell again.

Once her father recovered, she’d leave this city for good.

A lottery ticket she’d bought today flashed in her mind. If she won, she could resign and disappear.

No more financial chains.

Inside, Reginald waited. Beatrice followed, taking a seat.

Frederick and Eleanor descended the stairs.

"Evelyn," Frederick began gently, knowing his son was likely at fault, "can you explain what’s happening?"

Evelyn faced the room’s scrutiny, silent under the weight of their expectations.

Seizing the pause, Eleanor pounced. "Reginald and Beatrice are here. Answer me honestly—you were Dominic’s girlfriend first. You even met the Blackwoods. No one in this family, including Maxwell, knew, correct?"

Evelyn saw the trap. Drunk but sharp, she recognized her mother-in-law’s betrayal.

"Maxwell isn’t here. I’ll speak when he is." She turned to leave.

"Aunt Evelyn!" Alexander sprinted over, tiny arms wrapping around her legs.

Reginald didn’t stop him.

Eleanor’s stomach twisted. How close had Dominic and Evelyn been? The sight of his son clinging to her—

Like lightning from a clear sky.

This girl was dangerous. If left unchecked, she’d ruin their family.

Evelyn looked down at the boy. She wanted to confess everything. But she’d extinguished Dominic’s anger—reigniting it would be catastrophic.

They stood there, a picture of mother and son.

The door creaked open. Evelyn thought it was Maxwell—

But the towering figure who entered was—

"Daddy! Take Aunt Evelyn home!" Alexander beamed up at his father, pink cheeks pleading.