Chapter 395

"Mother-in-law?" Evelyn scoffed, her enchanting features twisting with mockery. "How dare you call yourself that?"

Margaret Blackwood's eyes widened in shock.

Evelyn yanked her arm back, her proud gaze sweeping over Margaret's furious expression like winter frost. "You're the one who needs to watch yourself around me. I'm not Evelyn Sinclair anymore, and I won't let you walk all over me—scolding or hitting me whenever you please."

"You—!" Margaret's face flushed with rage as she raised her hand to strike.

"Enough." Alexander's icy voice cut through the air, freezing Margaret mid-swing.

Evelyn arched a brow, her lips curling into a smirk. "See how much Alexander cares for me? Don’t cross me. Understand?"

Margaret was too furious to speak.

A flicker of fear passed through Evelyn's eyes as she turned toward Alexander. "Let's go back. I don’t think your mother wants me here."

Alexander shot Margaret a frigid glare. "This is the last time I’ll say it. Vivian is going to be your daughter-in-law soon. Adjust your attitude accordingly."

"Alexander! Don’t be fooled by this woman! She’s not the fragile, innocent girl you think she is!" Margaret jabbed a finger at Evelyn, her voice trembling with frustration.

"All I’ve seen is you harassing her repeatedly," Alexander said coolly, draping Evelyn’s jacket over her shoulders before taking her hand. "Let’s go."

Evelyn nodded, letting him lace their fingers together as they walked away.

Margaret inhaled sharply before chasing after them to the car.

"Why would your own mother lie to you, Alexander? This woman isn’t who you think she is! You’ll regret marrying her, just like you regretted marrying that wretched Evelyn!"

Alexander’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

With a sharp motion, he rolled up the window and accelerated, leaving Margaret standing in the cold night air.

Through the rearview mirror, Evelyn allowed herself a small, satisfied smile at the sight of Margaret stomping her foot in frustration.

Back at the estate, Alexander made Evelyn a bowl of noodles.

Maybe it was hunger, but she found them surprisingly delicious.

If only, in the past, he had shown her even a fraction of this warmth—things wouldn’t have ended up this way.

But there were no "what ifs" in this world.

The next morning, Alexander announced his engagement to Vivian Prescott.

The internet flooded with thousands of congratulatory messages, but Evelyn felt nothing reading them.

Years ago, when she had married him, the comments had been vicious—filled with insults and disdain. Not a single person had blessed their union during that grand ceremony. Back then, all she had were her own naive, hopeful prayers.

Now, with the entire city celebrating her engagement, she no longer carried that same youthful hope.

Her phone rang as she scrolled through the comments.

She answered without hesitation when she saw the caller ID. "Sebastian," she greeted, listening intently before nodding. "Understood."

Hanging up, she grabbed her purse and headed out—only to stop short at the unexpected visitor waiting outside.

Evelyn’s expression darkened at the sight of Nathaniel Sterling. "What do you want now?"

"Ms. Prescott," he said warmly, his voice almost pleading. "Do you have a moment? There’s somewhere I’d like to take you."

Evelyn averted her gaze. "How many times must I tell you? I’m not Evelyn Sinclair. We have nothing to discuss."

Without another word, she walked away.