Chapter 168
Maxwell turned his head sharply towards the woman beside him. "Mother, the performance is starting. Let's maintain silence now."
His voice carried that signature icy detachment.
Whether addressing subordinates or family, Maxwell Lockwood never altered his frigid tone. That distinctive voice had etched itself into Evelyn's memory.
She remembered every syllable, every threat that man had ever uttered.
Seeing his profile in the dim theater lighting, Evelyn felt her good mood evaporate instantly.
"This is barely the introduction," Lorraine Lockwood protested in hushed tones. "Don't think I haven't noticed your pattern - sending escorts to whisk us away before we can finish speaking."
Maxwell offered no response.
The silence confirmed her suspicions.
Seizing the moment, Lorraine pressed on. "Your father and I were overjoyed about your marriage. Yet within days, Reginald Blackwood storms our doorstep accusing you of kidnapping his granddaughter-in-law! If this scandal spreads..."
Maxwell remained motionless, gaze fixed on the illuminated stage.
Frederick Lockwood chimed in. "We wanted you married, yes - but not like this. You've strained family relations irreparably."
"That Sinclair girl brings nothing to this union - no pedigree, no education," Lorraine interjected, playing her trump card. "Allison has practically adopted her as a daughter-in-law already."
Still, Maxwell didn't react.
As theater lights dimmed signaling the show's commencement, Lorraine grew desperate. "Allison's visited us repeatedly about this. She's devastated!"
Finally, Maxwell spoke. "What exactly did she say?"
Lorraine's whisper grew louder, nearly drowning out the emcee. "She's considered Evelyn her future daughter-in-law for years! This sudden marriage has shocked her. Since it's unconsummated, why not annul it?"
Evelyn sat frozen behind them. The darkened theater provided scant comfort.
As Maxwell's new wife, part of her hoped his parents might succeed where others failed. Yet she knew Allison's motives weren't pure.
Whatever awaited post-divorce, Evelyn resolved to uncover the truth herself.
In the VIP section, most eyes remained glued to the stage. Evelyn found herself unable to focus.
Maxwell appeared engrossed in the performance while his parents alternated between watching and glaring at their unyielding son.
'I need air.' Evelyn texted Dominic.
Seeing him read the message, she excused herself quietly.
The performance became unbearable torture. She'd wanted to memorize every detail for the twins, but Maxwell's proximity made concentration impossible.
When Evelyn didn't return, Dominic noticed Maxwell suddenly addressing his parents.
"She's pregnant."
Dominic's grip tightened on his armrest.
The Lockwoods' stunned expressions mirrored his own shock.
Maxwell had delivered this bombshell with terrifying calmness.
Evelyn returned during the performance's climax, careful to avoid detection. The atmosphere had shifted dramatically - Dominic's glacial stare unsettled her.
As curtains fell, lights flooded the theater.
The Lockwoods stood immediately, visibly shaken.
Evelyn waited, letting them exit first.
Lorraine turned abruptly. "Stop dawdling! This conversation isn't over!"
Her maternal patience had evaporated.
Maxwell rose with characteristic indifference, then followed his mother's furious gaze.
They'd occupied the third row. Only two figures remained in the fourth.
"Have you no shame?" Lorraine hissed.
Maxwell's frown deepened as he tracked her line of sight.