Chapter 442

Margaret Blackwood could never be satisfied with such treatment. Yet she had no choice but to storm out in fury.

Sophia Montgomery clenched her fists, her cheeks puffing with barely contained rage as she trailed behind Margaret.

"Aunt Margaret, Vivian is absolutely despicable! Not only does she disrespect me, but she dares to humiliate you in front of all those department heads!"

Sophia's voice trembled with indignation as she fanned the flames.

"Aunt Margaret, with Alexander away, you should put that arrogant woman in her place! If you don't teach her a lesson now, she'll start thinking she runs Blackwood Enterprises."

Margaret's lips curled into a sneer. "You're absolutely right, darling. Tonight, I'll make sure she understands who truly holds power in this family."

Shortly after the meeting, Evelyn received a summons from Blackwood Estate. The butler informed her that Henry Blackwood requested her presence that evening.

Six years ago, Evelyn would have believed the old patriarch genuinely wanted to see her. But the woman who had risen from the ashes of her past self knew better.

Yet she went anyway.

Her stilettos clicked sharply against the marble floors as she strode into the grand parlor, designer handbag swinging from her arm.

Margaret and Sophia had already set their trap. When Evelyn appeared, Margaret plastered on a saccharine smile.

"Ah, my dear daughter-in-law has arrived. Shall we begin dinner?" Her voice dripped with false sweetness before her eyes dropped to Evelyn's shoes. "My, my - wearing heels in your condition? What if you take a tumble, Vivian?"

Sophia smirked, chiming in with mock concern. "Really, Vivian. Those are dangerously high. Wouldn't want anything... unfortunate to happen to your precious heir, would you? After all, a mother's status rises with her child's position. And this baby stands to inherit quite the empire."

Evelyn's gaze turned glacial. "What century are you living in with that antiquated nonsense? How pathetically provincial." Her eyes raked over Sophia with disdain. "My footwear choices are none of your concern."

Sophia's mouth gaped like a fish.

Margaret swallowed her fury with visible effort. "Sophia, that was uncalled for. Vivian is an accomplished businesswoman in her own right. She doesn't need to rely on her child's future success."

The words sounded supportive but carried venomous undertones.

"Come, let's eat. My dear Vivian must be exhausted after working all day," Margaret said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Sophia.

Evelyn took her seat, but no food appeared.

"Darling," Margaret purred, "according to Blackwood family tradition, the younger generation must serve the elders before dining. It's a sign of respect. When multiple elders are present, each must be properly greeted."

Evelyn's laughter rang out, sharp and humorless. "Blackwood traditions? How amusing. I'm not a Blackwood."

"You—"

"Was this your grand scheme? Luring me here to force obedience under the guise of family customs?"

"Isn't it natural for a daughter-in-law to serve her mother-in-law?" Margaret lifted her chin haughtily.

Evelyn's smirk could have frozen hell. "In theory, yes. But tell me, Margaret - have you ever acted like a mother-in-law worth serving?"

Margaret's face twitched. "Vivian, don't mistake my patience for weakness! If you continue this insolence, don't expect me to maintain appearances in public!"

"Respect?" Evelyn's bitter laugh echoed through the parlor. Her gaze turned steely. "Where was your respect when Victoria framed me for theft? When you refused to acknowledge me as your daughter-in-law? When you told your society friends I was nothing but a servant in your household? Is that the 'respect' you speak of?"