Chapter 465

Evelyn's body went slack after the kiss. The pounding in her head intensified.

Her senses were overwhelmed - the chatter of guests, swaying floral arrangements, dancing water fountains, and melodic orchestra music.

The joyful atmosphere clashed violently with her inner turmoil.

Evelyn scanned the crowd.

Reginald Blackwood stood conversing with guests, his usual stern expression softened by smiles.

Dominic beamed with happiness.

Margaret Lockwood maintained perfect aristocratic composure despite her lack of smile.

Even Beatrice Lockwood, who'd opposed their union most vehemently, wore a strained smile as she accepted congratulations.

At another table, Reginald Sinclair and Gwendolyn Sinclair smiled through tears of joy for Evelyn.

Evelyn fought back her own tears. Then her gaze landed on a familiar face among Dominic's friends - Everett Kingsley, James Kensington, Preston Worthington Sr., and others.

Every major conglomerate heir was present.

Dominic guided Evelyn through introductions to his extensive family.

"My paternal uncle," he presented a distinguished gentleman in his sixties.

"My elder cousins." A strikingly handsome young man and elegant woman nodded.

"My younger cousin brother. My second uncle."

The sheer number of Blackwood relatives astonished Evelyn. Though only a few were direct family, all carried the distinctive Blackwood good looks.

Dominic chuckled at her overwhelmed expression. "Just remember the immediate family," he whispered. "The others you'll rarely see."

Evelyn nodded absently, then froze. Her eyes locked onto Jonathan Prescott and his wife - with their daughter Lillian standing beside them.

Lillian, impeccably dressed, stared at Evelyn with icy contempt.

The gaze held mockery, superiority, and something more disturbing - triumph.

But what made Evelyn's blood run cold was seeing that woman - the one who'd threatened her with the CD - seated beside Genevieve Prescott.

Alarm bells screamed in Evelyn's mind. How had that woman infiltrated the event? What connection did she have to the Prescott family?

The entire hall's attention focused on Evelyn - curiosity, judgment, awe, envy, and jealousy all directed at the unremarkable woman engaged to Dominic Blackwood.

Four ornate chests dominated the stage - Dominic's engagement gifts to Evelyn. Bundles of hundred-dollar bills tied with satin ribbons.

Gold bars. Diamond rings. Deeds to mansions. Jewelry collections. Luxury watches. A breathtaking display of wealth.

The guests murmured in awe. Only the Blackwoods could afford such extravagance! This clearly demonstrated the bride's importance to Dominic.

Yet Evelyn felt no joy. Her palms grew clammy as she spotted that sinister woman in the crowd.

Her grip on Dominic's arm tightened. Chills raced through her body. She forced herself to keep smiling as they walked to center stage.

The short distance felt endless.

The emcee announced the ceremony's commencement.

Dominic's usually stern features softened with warmth as he gazed at Evelyn.

Embracing her, he addressed the crowd: "Thank you all for sharing this moment. I stand here happier than I ever imagined possible - about to pledge myself to the woman I love. I believed I'd remain unmarried forever, yet fate brought Evelyn into my life. Her kindness and warmth have transformed my world. I vow to cherish, protect, and adore her always. My deepest gratitude to her grandfather and aunt for raising such an extraordinary woman."

Thunderous applause followed.

Reginald Sinclair and Gwendolyn Sinclair wept joyful tears at Dominic's heartfelt words.

Evelyn nearly succumbed to tears herself. The typically reserved Dominic had never spoken so publicly or emotionally. His sincerity overwhelmed her.

Kneeling before her, Dominic presented a ring with a dazzling diamond. "Evelyn Sinclair, will you marry me? Let us journey through life together, experiencing all its wonders. Will you be my wife?"

'Yes! A thousand times yes!' Evelyn's heart cried out.

She extended her left hand automatically.

Then her gaze lifted - and she saw that woman whispering to Jonathan Prescott, whose expression darkened abruptly.

The woman retrieved something small and flat from her gown, pressing it into Jonathan's hand...