Chapter 402

Though the wedding ceremony went against her true desires, Evelyn found solace in having little Ethan as her ring bearer.

Among the distinguished guests, she noticed Eleanor and William Kingsley had come to offer their blessings.

In some small way, it felt like receiving parental approval.

Margaret Blackwood, however, wore her displeasure openly.

One of Margaret's society friends approached with false cheer. "What an exceptional daughter-in-law you've acquired, Mrs. Blackwood. Wealthy, accomplished, and stunning. You must be absolutely thrilled."

"Money means nothing when the Blackwoods have plenty of our own. Beautiful women are a dime a dozen - her looks are merely passable!" Margaret scoffed, shooting daggers at Evelyn who was mingling with guests.

Turning sharply, Margaret descended upon Eleanor and William. "Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley, I was utterly shocked to learn about Victoria's deception. How she played us all for fools!"

Eleanor sighed mournfully. "I truly believed I'd found my long-lost daughter and that our families would be united. What a cruel twist of fate."

"Indeed," Margaret agreed bitterly. "Who could imagine such villainy from Victoria's family? I'd have pressed charges for fraud if not for the child she bore Alexander!"

Her eyes flashed with fury before softening into calculated sympathy.

"The Kingsleys are among Willowbrook's most respected families. How unfortunate you haven't located your daughter yet - it would have been an honor to unite our houses. Had you found her sooner, perhaps she and Alexander might have formed an attachment, sparing us this... arrangement." Margaret's gaze flickered disdainfully toward Evelyn.

Eleanor followed her look, taking in Evelyn's radiant beauty in the exquisite wedding gown. An inexplicable pang struck her heart.

"Vivian Prescott isn't so terrible."

"You've no idea, Mrs. Kingsley. This woman is worse than Alexander's first wife, Evelyn Sinclair! The sight of her makes me physically ill!"

"You're welcome to retire early if you're feeling unwell, Mother."

Evelyn's melodic voice startled Margaret, who turned with a sneer. "Disgusting creature!" she spat before storming off.

With Margaret gone, Evelyn felt the atmosphere lighten considerably.

She turned to Eleanor and William with a gracious smile. "Thank you for attending. A toast to you both." She sipped her champagne elegantly.

"Congratulations, Miss Prescott," Eleanor said, her usual sharpness noticeably absent.

Congratulations?

Evelyn's smile held hidden meaning. The only thing worth celebrating was how close she was to completing her revenge.

Just then, Alexander approached, devastatingly handsome in his tailored tuxedo.

"Miss Prescott suits you perfectly, Mr. Blackwood. I apologize for my harsh words defending Victoria before." Eleanor offered.

Alexander's lips quirked. "I've never concerned myself with others' opinions." He slid an arm around Evelyn's waist. "You must be exhausted, darling. Shall we leave?"

Evelyn nodded affectionately.

"Miss Prescott!" Eleanor suddenly called out as they turned to go.

They paused. "Is something wrong, Mrs. Kingsley?"

"It's just..." Eleanor hesitated. "We've hit dead ends searching for our daughter. I wondered... might you recall if Margaret or Victoria ever mentioned anything about her?"

Ah. They were asking her about herself.

Evelyn opened her mouth to respond, but Alexander smoothly interjected. "Perhaps I can assist. Are there any distinguishing marks we should know about?"

Eleanor and William's eyes lit with hope. "Yes! Our daughter has a very distinctive birthmark!"