Chapter 299
Evelyn couldn't see Olivia. The realization brought no relief.
Yet she felt powerless against Patricia. The woman harbored deep resentment toward Evelyn, making rational conversation impossible. But as Olivia's mother, Evelyn couldn't retaliate.
Her thoughts turned to Abigail.
If Abigail visited Olivia, Patricia would have no grounds to turn her away, no matter how unreasonable she might be.
Evelyn called Abigail, carefully explaining that Olivia had fallen ill.
She mentioned Patricia's grudge against her, making her own visit inappropriate. That's why she asked Abigail to go in her place.
The truth about Olivia's abduction remained unspoken. No woman would want such trauma publicly known.
Abigail agreed immediately, promising to visit after work. She requested Olivia's address.
Exhausted physically and mentally, Evelyn finally reached her apartment.
Slippers on, she stepped into the shower. Hot water stung the scratches on her neck. She ignored the pain - trivial compared to Olivia's suffering.
Eyes closing, Evelyn's anger flared.
This was all Maxwell's doing!
His obsession had harmed both her and her best friend. Unforgivable. She'd kill him herself if necessary.
Meanwhile, storm clouds gathered over Blackwood Manor.
Dominic returned with the twins to find Reginald Blackwood seated grimly in the parlor, cane in hand.
Beatrice Lockwood, as always, flaunted new crystal bracelets while applying makeup, unintentionally provoking Margaret Lockwood.
Julian sat unusually solemn, far from his typical carefree demeanor.
He shot Dominic a warning glance: "Grandfather knows about the Xeddit scandal. Brace yourself."
Dominic ignored the silent warning, gently patting the children's heads.
The twins rushed to their great-grandfather, their cheerful greetings instantly softening Reginald's stern expression, nearly making him forget his intended interrogation.
Margaret snorted derisively. "Finally decided to show your face? The entire internet knows how Young Master Blackwood assaulted his cousin and seduced his cousin's wife! Like mother, like son indeed. Our family's reputation lies in ruins. Don't you have anything to say, Father?"
Beatrice's frown deepened. "How can you believe internet gossip, Margaret? Everyone knows my son's accomplishments. Why would he need to chase married women? That gold-digging Evelyn Sinclair is clearly the one pursuing him!"
She glanced proudly at Dominic. Many society daughters coveted him, even Lillian Prescott, daughter of the Provincial Committee Secretary. Her son needed no cheap temptations.
"Hypocrite! Have you forgotten your own humble origins?" Margaret sneered.
Beatrice's jaw tightened. "Are you deliberately provoking me, Margaret Armstrong?"
"Evelyn is my woman," Dominic's icy voice cut through. "You will show her respect."
Beatrice paled at being publicly chastised, especially before Margaret. "Don't be fooled, son. She's a selfish social climber unworthy of you."
Dominic's glacial stare silenced further protests.
Turning to Reginald and Beatrice, he declared firmly: "Whether you accept Evelyn or not, she's the only woman for me - the only mother my children will ever have."
Alexander discreetly gave his father an admiring thumbs-up.
Well done, Daddy! Standing up to Great-Grandfather and Grandmother's tantrums. You're fighting for our family.