Chapter 202

Evelyn's lips curved into a casual smile. "Did you witness it yourself, Mrs. Kingsley? How can you be so certain that Evelyn Sinclair is the disgraceful woman you claim her to be?"

"Absolutely certain!" Eleanor spat, her voice dripping with venom. "I saw with my own eyes how vile and heartless Evelyn Sinclair was! Over and over, she hurt my precious daughter and grandson. Death would be too kind for a creature like her!"

Eleanor's jaw clenched, each word laced with such hatred it seemed to poison the air around them. The loathing in her eyes suggested even death wouldn't satisfy her thirst for vengeance.

A second later, Evelyn heard Eleanor scoff derisively.

"Though you may share Evelyn Sinclair's face, Miss Prescott, I sincerely hope you won't stoop to her despicable level!"

With a haughty toss of her head, Eleanor turned on her heel and marched back to Victoria's side.

The mother-daughter pair clasped hands, their bond appearing stronger than ever.

Evelyn pressed her lips together as she watched the nauseating display.

Oh, Mother.

My dearest mother.

I wonder what you'll do when you discover the 'shameless wretch' you despise is actually your own flesh and blood.

Will you keep believing Victoria's lies? Will you keep cursing your own daughter as a monster? Or... will you finally embrace me and call me 'darling'?

A sharp pang shot through Evelyn's chest.

Her mouth twisted into a bitter smile. Raising her champagne flute, she felt a gentle tug on her gown's hem.

"Big Sis Vivian." Ethan's clear voice cut through her thoughts.

Looking down at his earnest little face, some of the ache in Evelyn's heart eased.

"Good evening, Ethan." She ruffled his soft hair affectionately.

"Did Amelia come with you, Big Sis Vivian?" Ethan blinked up at her expectantly.

Before she could answer, Alexander's rich baritone voice carried across the ballroom from the stage.

Mrs. Blackwood, who was supposed to announce the wedding, had been discreetly ushered aside. Now Alexander stood center stage under the spotlight, delivering his opening speech.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he exuded power and aristocracy. Every gesture oozed charisma, every word commanded attention.

A man like him was the fantasy of countless women.

But fantasies were dangerous—like moths drawn to a flame, they'd only get burned by his scorching brilliance.

Evelyn chuckled darkly. She'd learned that lesson too late, nearly paying with her life.

Swirling her drink, she caught movement in her peripheral vision. Smiling warmly at Ethan, she said, "Big Sis Vivian needs to visit the ladies' room. Wait for me here, okay?"

"Okay! I'll be right here!" Ethan nodded solemnly, his earnest promise reminding her painfully of one Alexander had made years ago.

He's your son through and through—even in making promises.

Though you, Alexander, lack his innocence.

Following the shadowy figure down the corridor, Evelyn heard a familiar, carefree hum.

She positioned herself by the restroom door. When footsteps approached from inside, she casually turned on the faucet, pretending to wash her hands.

Moments later, a man staggered out of the men's room. Still humming, his intoxicated gaze raked over Evelyn's curves before finally landing on her face.

The instant their eyes met, his expression morphed into sheer terror.

Stumbling backward, he crashed into the doorframe. "Y-You're...!"