Chapter 377

Eleanor Kingsley approached Evelyn Sinclair with measured steps, her lips curling into a practiced smile. "Would you do me the honor of dining at Kingsley Manor this evening?"

Evelyn's brows knitted together. "Am I hearing correctly? You're inviting me to your home, Mrs. Kingsley?"

'Does she suspect something?'

'Is this forced hospitality because of Victoria?'

Yet Evelyn immediately detected the barely concealed reluctance in Eleanor's eyes.

The realization struck her like lightning. This invitation was solely for Victoria's sake.

Pathetic.

'My own flesh and blood would debase herself for that venomous impostor.'

"Miss Prescott, I hope you'll forgive my past transgressions. This invitation comes from the heart." Eleanor maintained her plastic smile while awaiting Evelyn's response.

The irony tasted bitter on Evelyn's tongue. Every fiber of her being screamed to refuse.

But she couldn't.

The woman before her was her biological mother - no matter how much she despised her, no matter how blind she was to her true daughter's existence.

"Very well," Evelyn acquiesced. When Eleanor's face lit up with unrestrained relief, a hollow laugh echoed through Evelyn's soul.

As Evelyn departed, Eleanor hurried into the police station to visit Victoria in her holding cell.

Victoria's pulse spiked when she learned of Eleanor's dinner invitation to Evelyn.

What game was Evelyn playing now? The simpleton she'd once manipulated had become dangerously unpredictable.

Yet Victoria resolved to strike first. "Mother, I know you're doing this for me, but I'd rather die in prison than watch you and Father grovel before Prescott!"

Victoria clutched Eleanor's hand with theatrical desperation, tears glistening like poisoned diamonds.

"That woman is pure evil. She'll turn on you both the moment she gets the chance!"

Eleanor's heart swelled at these 'selfless' warnings.

She stroked Victoria's greasy hair, her chest tightening at the girl's haggard appearance.

"Vicky, darling, don't fret. We know what we're doing. We'll get you out of here, no matter the cost."

"Mother—"

Victoria sobbed with affected gratitude while violently shaking her head.

"I can't bear the thought of you sacrificing everything! Prescott has already framed me and imprisoned my adoptive parents. She keeps hinting I'm not your real daughter—"

"Enough!" Eleanor cut her off firmly. "That birthmark and DNA test proved everything. I won't be fooled by Vivian Prescott's lies."

Victoria exhaled imperceptibly. Exactly the reassurance she'd been fishing for.

—

Despite her misgivings, Eleanor instructed the staff to prepare an elaborate feast.

At twilight, Alexander Blackwood's luxury sedan pulled up to Kingsley Manor's wrought iron gates.

From the shadows, housekeeper Beatrice Caldwell watched Evelyn with venomous eyes.

'Murderous wretch.'

'You took my Sophia from me.'

'Tonight you'll pay with your life.'

"Alexander, I'll go in now." Evelyn flashed him a small wave.

The man's gaze warmed as he nodded. "I'll return for you at ten."