Chapter 195
After successfully stirring up trouble at the Lockwood residence, Beatrice returned home.
Back at the hospital, Beatrice found no sign of Margaret or Julian. Reginald Blackwood lay motionless on the hospital bed while Dominic sat vigil beside him.
Her son's worried expression spoke volumes about his concern for his grandfather's condition.
Watching this scene unfold, Beatrice secretly prayed for Reginald's slow recovery. If his condition worsened, Dominic would be forced to remain by his side!
This would prevent the Blackwood heir from returning to that insignificant town. Society's rigid expectations would brand him as an ungrateful grandson otherwise.
Beatrice felt her morality slipping away in her desperate attempts to separate Evelyn from Dominic.
She saw no alternative. If Dominic married Evelyn, her life would become unbearable. That girl was her personal curse!
The nurse arrived with Reginald's lunch tray.
Beatrice unpacked the meal containers from the bag. "Father, Eleanor prepared all your favorite dishes. They're specially designed for your health."
As she spoke, Beatrice settled beside the bed and began feeding Reginald.
Despite his illness, the old man maintained a healthy appetite.
After several minutes of silent feeding, Beatrice seized her opportunity. "There's something you should know, Father."
Reginald's silence signaled permission to continue.
Avoiding her son's gaze, Beatrice pressed on. "Earlier, Frederick summoned me to discuss important matters. While there, I learned... Evelyn is already carrying Maxwell's child."
The expected reaction came instantly - Reginald's face froze in shock.
If Evelyn truly loved his grandson and not that Lockwood boy, she should have preserved her purity for Dominic!
Had Maxwell forced himself upon her, Reginald would have him prosecuted immediately!
But secretly bearing another man's child? That constituted the ultimate betrayal of Dominic's trust.
This revelation blindsided the family patriarch.
"Absolute nonsense." Dominic's glare could have melted steel as he addressed his grandfather. "That's a fabricated story Maxwell concocted to appease his father."
Beatrice hadn't anticipated this twist...
Her nerves tightened like coiled springs...
The mother-son tension reached breaking point. Distracted, she nearly fumbled the spoon from her trembling fingers.
Meanwhile, in the small town...
Evelyn had prepared all the ingredients but refused to cook. She'd purchased new cutlery, cookware, and other kitchen essentials.
She handled every household chore except the actual cooking.
The young colleagues bonded over shared meals and casual conversation.
After dinner, they cracked open some beers.
Evelyn, with her low alcohol tolerance, only sipped at her glass.
While cleaning up, Julian Montgomery exclaimed excitedly, "The air here is incredible! I can't wait to see this place after development."
The town itself held little charm beyond its surrounding natural beauty.
Their temporary residence would allow firsthand experience of local culture and scenery - crucial for drafting the perfect project proposal.
Evelyn stood at the kitchen sink, washing dishes.
Suddenly, a car pulled up outside.
Everyone turned toward the sound, but Evelyn's position blocked her view.
A Porsche Cayenne rolled to a stop before the two-story compound. Two figures emerged - one from the driver's seat, one from the passenger side.
The passenger announced, "This is the place! I'll be heading home now!"
Maxwell produced several crisp bills from his wallet and handed them over.
The local pocketed the money and hurried off happily.
Town development plans had been public knowledge for years.
The arrival of corporate representatives made front-page news for the small community.
Everyone knew about their presence.
Having lost contact with Evelyn - unanswered calls and messages - Maxwell had inquired locally until someone directed him here.
The T Corporation employees in the courtyard didn't recognize Maxwell, but his expensive car and attire made them cautious. Could he be corporate management conducting surprise inspections?
"Can someone point me to Evelyn Sinclair?" Maxwell's tone and demeanor screamed street thug.
Someone gestured toward the kitchen.
Maxwell turned and strode in that direction.
Evelyn stood at the sink, water cascading over several glasses. The rushing water drowned out all other sounds.
As she focused on the sparkling clean dishes, strong arms suddenly encircled her from behind.
In the courtyard, Julian gaped at the kitchen scene.
The sink faced the entrance directly, allowing clear visibility from outside while blocking the washer's view.
"Isn't she... with the boss..." Julian averted his eyes awkwardly, addressing a design department colleague.
Evelyn worked in design, so Julian assumed they'd know more.
The equally confused colleague whipped out her phone, gossiping to A City contacts immediately.
Inside the kitchen, Evelyn dropped her pot with a clatter, scrambling backward in alarm at Maxwell's sudden appearance.
"Is this any way for a wife to react to her husband's embrace?" Maxwell remained unbothered - he didn't actually care for Evelyn. But her subtle feminine fragrance intrigued him.
It smelled surprisingly pleasant.
Meanwhile outside, the colleague received a voice message: "Evelyn has no relationship with the boss. Yvette clarified this morning - she's the wife of the boss's uncle's son. Complicated family tree. The boss shows concern because they're relatives. Also, rumor has it Evelyn's pregnant - hence the special attention." The message came from an off-duty colleague.
Abigail Thornton, planning to work late, shot the messenger a sharp look.
Another message followed: "Who else would grab Evelyn's waist in public except her husband? Give them privacy!"
Abigail immediately texted Sebastian Whitmore:
[What's happening? Word is Maxwell Lockwood showed up in town making moves on Evelyn. Does the boss know?]