Chapter 176
Evelyn wanted to refuse, but to maintain her composed facade, she accepted Victoria's gift with a gracious smile. "How thoughtful of you."
She then tugged gently at Alexander's sleeve. "Alexander, shall we? Our guests are waiting."
"Of course, you two go ahead first," Eleanor Kingsley and William Montgomery encouraged, their faces glowing with anticipation. "Today's celebration would be perfect for announcing your wedding date."
Victoria gazed up at Alexander with doe-eyed innocence. "After all these years, I'll finally become your bride."
Observing Victoria's radiant expression, Evelyn offered them both a serene smile before turning away.
As they reentered the garden, dozens of curious eyes followed Evelyn's movements, whispers spreading like wildfire about the mysterious newcomer.
Noticing the attention shifting from her, Victoria's smile tightened. When Alexander showed no signs of proposing as planned, unease twisted in her stomach. The humiliation of a failed engagement announcement would be unbearable.
"Mother, Father," Victoria suddenly announced, pressing a hand to her temple. "I'm feeling rather faint. I need to retire to my chambers."
Eleanor and William rushed to her side. "Darling, what's wrong? Should we call the physician?"
"It's nothing serious," Victoria assured them with practiced grace. "Please continue entertaining our guests. Alexander, would you escort me?"
Alexander hesitated, his gaze lingering on Evelyn. "Miss Prescott, do make yourself comfortable. There's a matter I wish to discuss with you later."
Evelyn inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Watching the exchange, Victoria's smile vanished as she stormed inside, her heels clicking sharply against the marble.
Left alone, Evelyn moved through the lavish gardens unnoticed, not even her own parents sparing her a glance.
The Blackwood Estate sprawled before her in all its gilded splendor - manicured hedges framing bubbling fountains, rose gardens perfuming the evening air. Had fate not intervened decades ago, these very grounds would have been her childhood playground.
Evelyn's fingers brushed against a blooming peony as she contemplated the cruel twist of destiny that had separated her from this life. But tonight, she had a more pressing purpose.
When the last guest turned away, Evelyn slipped unnoticed into the mansion's shadowed corridors.
The sound of muffled sobs reached her first - raw, grieving wails that echoed through the empty hallway. Having stared death in the face herself, Evelyn felt no fear, only sharp curiosity about who would be weeping in such a hidden corner today.
Following the heartbreaking sounds, she discovered a middle-aged woman clutching a photograph to her chest, tears streaming down her weathered face.
"Sophia, my precious Sophia..." the woman whimpered between shuddering breaths.
Sophia?
Evelyn's pulse quickened at the name Sophia Montgomery.
"My angel, today should have been your birthday," the woman continued, her voice thick with anguish. "But that monster Evelyn took you from us! That murderess deserves to burn in hell for what she did to you!"
The pieces clicked into place. This woman believed Evelyn had killed Sophia Montgomery.
But what puzzled Evelyn most was the depth of this stranger's grief. What connection could she possibly have to the late Sophia Montgomery that would warrant such profound sorrow?