Chapter 376

"Have you told Alexander that the woman is Evelyn?"

"N-No! Besides, it seems she doesn't want him to know she's Evelyn." Margaret denied it quickly, realizing this was information Alexander must never discover.

Victoria exhaled in relief.

"There's a hearing in two days. Eleanor has already hired the best attorney for me. I should be released soon."

Margaret's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"Of course." Victoria scoffed. "It seems Evelyn doesn't plan to reveal her true identity to the Montgomerys."

Richard and Margaret exchanged confused glances. "Vic, doesn't that woman already know she's Eleanor's daughter? If she's exposed herself to us, why won't she acknowledge William and Eleanor as her parents?"

"If you were in her place, would you still want to return to parents who attacked, berated, and ignored you?" Victoria rolled her eyes.

"I think she resents them."

Richard and Margaret nodded, finding Victoria's reasoning sound.

Just then, the door to the visitation room swung open. Two officers entered.

Richard and Margaret assumed their time was up, but instead, the officers moved toward them with handcuffs.

All three froze. "Officer, w-why are you arresting us?"

"Mr. Blackwood just filed a report. You two are suspects in an attempted murder case."

"..."

"..."

Margaret and Richard stood stunned for several seconds before recalling what had happened earlier.

"Officer, we didn't do it! We were framed!"

"Vic, you have to get Eleanor to help us! Vic!"

Victoria could only watch as Margaret and Richard were led away. A moment later, an officer escorted her out as well.

She couldn't fathom the depth of Alexander's feelings for Evelyn. Even without knowing Vivian was Evelyn, he still protected her—all because of that face.

The jealousy burned through her.

"Evelyn!" She spat the name through clenched teeth, wishing she could crush her into dust.

When Evelyn learned Margaret and Richard had been detained, satisfaction curled in her chest.

She went to the station to give her statement, confirming their intent to harm her. After signing the documents, she turned to leave—only to collide with Eleanor at the entrance.

The last time they'd met here, Eleanor had been hostile. Now, though still elegant and poised, she looked exhausted, dark circles shadowing her eyes.

Evelyn turned away silently, avoiding unnecessary conflict. But before she could take another step, Eleanor called out in a tone so gentle it startled her.

"Miss Prescott."

Evelyn's heart stuttered. She hadn't expected such softness from Eleanor.

She paused, then turned with a carefully neutral smile. "Can I help you, Mrs. Kingsley?"