Chapter 183

Evelyn was mid-conversation with her grandfather when her phone buzzed.

"Grandpa, I need to take this." She gently pulled away from his grip that was starting to leave marks on her arm.

Abigail's name flashed on the screen.

Evelyn answered immediately. "What's up, Abby?"

The response came rapid-fire. "Evie, the town development project got pushed up - they want us to start outdoor training tomorrow. Meet at the office entrance at eight sharp. Pack hiking gear and essentials. Any questions, text me. I'll notify the others."

"Got it," Evelyn replied before ending the call.

During her study abroad years, Evelyn had participated in numerous outdoor leadership programs. She always treated them as both physical challenges and mental refreshers.

After dinner, Evelyn automatically started clearing the table.

"Miss Sinclair! Please don't!" The new housekeeper rushed over in panic. "If Mr. Blackwood finds out we let you do chores, we'll be fired!"

The woman eyed Evelyn curiously. Shouldn't the future daughter-in-law of the Blackwood family act more... princess-like? Maybe old habits died hard for someone who'd lived the Cinderella story.

Evelyn finally relented, though dishwashing had become second nature after years of independence.

"Grandpa, no need to walk me out." Evelyn stopped the old man at the door. She turned toward the subway station, her sneakers crunching on fallen leaves.

The neighborhood was quiet, populated only by luxury vehicles gliding soundlessly down the tree-lined streets.

At the station entrance, Evelyn glanced back at her grandfather's mansion. It wasn't far from where Margaret and Walter resided.

Her steps slowed as another worry surfaced.

Blackwood Manor.

Alexander and Isabella arrived home with their driver.

Beatrice happened to be home that afternoon, carrying milk upstairs to her grandchildren. "Where have you two been these past days? With your father?"

She couldn't imagine Dominic handling childcare alone. The man barely had time to eat, let alone supervise homework and meals. And he was notoriously strict about their diet.

Before Alexander could answer, Beatrice spotted Dominic approaching silently on the plush carpet.

"Were you actually caring for them yourself?" Beatrice asked skeptically. "How did you manage?"

She desperately wanted the twins to stay at the manor. This estate wasn't just property - it symbolized the Blackwood legacy. Whoever controlled it held undeniable status within the family.

Margaret Lockwood had retreated from high society after her husband's affair, but recently resurfaced - partly for rehabilitation, partly for revenge.

Beatrice knew people called her the scheming mistress, but in her mind, securing both marriage and love took skill. If Margaret couldn't keep her man, that was her own failing.

Both women remained in the manor out of stubborn pride. Margaret stayed to claim what was rightfully hers; Beatrice refused to surrender her home.

The old master Reginald felt guilty toward Margaret and her son Louis, but hadn't transferred the manor to them. Not out of concern for Dominic - the man had more wealth than he could spend in ten lifetimes - but for the twins' sake.

Margaret despised everything related to Beatrice, including the adorable grandchildren. While she'd never harm children, evicting them from the manor wasn't beyond possibility. What wronged wife would tolerate her husband's illegitimate descendants under her roof?

Only saints could forgive such things, and Margaret was no saint.

Now that Dominic had moved the children out, Beatrice panicked. If this became permanent, Reginald might actually deed the manor to Margaret.

Losing her home of decades was bad enough, but the social humiliation would be unbearable. The society ladies already whispered behind her back - the mistress who'd never be buried in the Blackwood family plot.

The more she thought about it, the more agitated Beatrice became.

Dominic never discussed personal matters with her. When pressed, he'd only say coldly, "They're being cared for."

Beatrice longed to ask by whom.

But Dominic merely pointed at Alexander's notebook. "You're missing an 'e' in 'deep.' Did you eat it?"

"Oops." The five-year-old quickly corrected his spelling.

Recognizing the dismissal, Beatrice retreated quietly.

The next day, T Corporation's outdoor training commenced. Employees were divided by department for hiking, swimming, team-building exercises, and corporate culture seminars. By 6 PM, everyone was exhausted though the sun still hung low.

As CEO, Dominic rarely made appearances. Employees whispered this might be his first time addressing every department personally.

The design team's turn hadn't come yet.

"Von," a female colleague teased Yvette, "did you convince the boss to come during your pillow talk last night?"