Chapter 167

"Miss Lancaster, perhaps you should remain silent if you can't speak with civility. No one will mistake you for mute if you refrain from speaking. Mr. Blackwood and I have conducted ourselves with complete propriety. Even if you distrust me, surely you trust your own fiancé?"

"You—"

"If I recall correctly, even Miss Lancaster had questionable relationships before this engagement. Don't you find your accusations rather hypocritical?"

Victoria stood speechless, her expression darkening. Noticing the shifting gazes around them, she quickly adopted a wounded expression.

"Miss Prescott, I don't know what vicious rumors you've heard, but Alexander and I have always been together. It was my sister Evelyn who schemed to seduce him, forcing their marriage. Now that Evelyn is gone, I hate to bring this up—but I won't tolerate such slander!"

"You won't tolerate slander, yet you freely insult me to my face? Miss Lancaster, as the Montgomery heiress, do you consider yourself above common courtesy?"

Victoria's eyes welled up with practiced tears. "Miss Prescott, that wasn't my intention. I simply love Alexander so deeply that I—" She broke off with a delicate sob. "Forgive me for troubling you."

With dramatic flair, Victoria turned and fled the scene.

Moments later, two familiar figures entered the boutique. Evelyn would recognize Margaret Dawson and Richard Montgomery anywhere—the architects of her past torment.

She'd once believed their false affection, only to discover their vicious betrayal. Their brutal assault had nearly cost her life.

Now they scanned the shop with predatory intensity, clearly sent by Victoria.

A sales associate approached politely. "May I assist you with jewelry selections today?"

Margaret waved a dismissive hand. "We need a bracelet for our daughter, but require expert advice. Fetch your supervisor."

Their ploy was transparent. Hearing this, Evelyn turned calmly.

The staff member brightened. "Miss Prescott, these clients seek bracelet recommendations. Are you available?"

Evelyn smiled. "Certainly." She approached the couple with measured steps.

When they saw Evelyn's face, shock contorted their features. After their crimes, encountering her alive clearly unnerved them.

"Evelyn!"

"How—you're supposed to be dead!"

Margaret and Richard spoke simultaneously.

Evelyn arched a brow, maintaining her serene smile. "I seem to bear an uncanny resemblance to this Evelyn you mention. Did you visit specifically to scrutinize my appearance?"

"Resemblance? You are Evelyn!" Margaret jabbed an accusing finger. "I'd recognize that face anywhere! Explain yourself—why aren't you dead? What revenge plot brings you back? Trying to sabotage Victoria and Alexander? You vile creature! Surviving changes nothing—I'll finish what I started, you wretched—"

Margaret's tirade ended abruptly as her hand flew toward Evelyn's face.

The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the boutique.