Chapter 290

Blackwood Estate.

Alexander and Isabella sat quietly on the plush living room sofa, their usual cheerful laughter absent.

Deep frowns marred their youthful faces.

The children's solemn expressions made them appear far older than their years, creating an almost comical contrast.

Isabella shot her brother a miserable look. "Big Bro, our mansion is way bigger than Miss Evelyn's apartment, but I don't like it here. I want to live with Miss Evelyn..."

Dominic and Evelyn shared a complicated relationship. Evelyn had given the twins permission to call her "Mommy" in private, but insisted they use "Miss Evelyn" in public.

The children didn't understand these rules, but being obedient, they followed their mother's instructions.

Alexander sighed dramatically, spreading his arms like a miniature adult. "I want to live with her too. But Daddy's being stupid. He still hasn't convinced Miss Evelyn to marry him. If he did, we could stay with her forever."

Isabella's eyes lit up. "Really? Should we help Daddy win her heart then?"

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "We need a plan. Maybe Uncle Maxwell can help. He always has beautiful women around him. People say he's a playboy, so he must know about romance."

"What's a playboy, Big Bro?" Isabella tilted her head.

Alexander hesitated, searching for child-friendly words. "It's a man who likes charming pretty ladies. You've seen how Uncle Maxwell wears those flashy clothes, right? That's what playboys usually wear..."

Isabella nodded enthusiastically. "Oh! I get it now! I like pretty girls too, Big Bro! You should dress like Uncle Maxwell! Then lots of pretty girls will like you! You should be a playboy too!"

Alexander facepalmed.

He rubbed his temples, at a loss for words with his sister.

The housekeeper arranging toys nearby couldn't suppress a chuckle at their innocent exchange.

"Why are you laughing, Mrs. Florence? Did I say something wrong?" Isabella blinked her puppy-dog eyes.

Alexander fixed the housekeeper with a stern look identical to Dominic's, making Mrs. Florence straighten up immediately.

"Nothing at all. What fruits would you like after dinner tonight, Young Master Alexander and Young Miss Isabella?" The housekeeper quickly changed the subject.

"I don't want fruit. I only want Miss Evelyn." Isabella's voice quivered.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Alexander squeezed her hand, equally distressed. Truthfully, he missed their mother just as much.

The housekeeper hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Evelyn remained a controversial figure in the Blackwood family. Beatrice despised her, and even Reginald Blackwood, who initially accepted her, had turned against her. Margaret Lockwood watched from the shadows.

Only Dominic and the twins still welcomed Evelyn.

The sound of a cane tapping announced Reginald's arrival downstairs.

Seeing his great-grandchildren's gloomy faces, the patriarch frowned. "What's troubling you?"

Though advanced in years, Reginald commanded absolute authority in the household.

His lifetime among the city's elite had honed his commanding presence. Even Beatrice and Margaret dared not misbehave under his stern gaze.

Every Blackwood feared him—except Dominic.

But the old man adored his great-grandchildren.

The twins inherited Dominic's genes. Alexander resembled Dominic as a boy, while Isabella charmed everyone with her sweet nature and quick wit.

Their intelligence and maturity always delighted Reginald. Seeing them upset now, he demanded, "Did someone upset you? Tell your Great-Grandfather."

Alexander looked up with pleading eyes. "We miss Miss Evelyn, Great-Grandpa. Can she come live with us?"

Isabella hugged Reginald's leg. "Miss Evelyn cooks delicious food, Great-Grandpa! You'll love her cooking when she moves in!"

Reginald's expression darkened. "That Evelyn Sinclair? Stay away from her. She won't marry your father. You'll have a new mother soon. Understand?"

The traditional patriarch valued family reputation above all.

Evelyn's marriage to Maxwell Lockwood, closely connected to the Blackwoods, made her unacceptable. Even divorced, Reginald would never allow her to remarry into the family.

He refused to let Dominic, his proudest grandson, face public ridicule!

The fact that Maxwell and Evelyn's marriage had been public knowledge made it utterly impossible!

Hearing about a "new mother," Isabella burst into tears. "I don't want anyone else!" She wailed, scrambling off the couch and fleeing upstairs.

Alexander shot Reginald a resentful glare—the first time the boy had ever looked at his great-grandfather with such hostility—before chasing after his sister.

Reginald watched them go, his grip on the cane trembling slightly before he sighed deeply.

Meanwhile, across town...

Night fell with a light drizzle, chilling the air despite the city's vibrant nightlife.

In an exclusive VIP lounge...

Preston Worthington Jr. treated Olivia like his personal plaything, leaving her nearly exposed.

He ignored the hatred burning in Olivia's eyes.

Her tears had long dried up, but she guarded her body like a cornered animal. If she ever gained power over Preston, she vowed to repay this humiliation tenfold.