Chapter 444

Evelyn's lips curved into a triumphant smile as she watched Margaret Blackwood shrink away from her.

"I distinctly recall you saying everyone would rejoice if I died." Her voice dripped with icy amusement. "Yet here we are, and you look absolutely miserable."

Margaret's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.

Behind her, Yvonne shot Evelyn a venomous glare. "So you're Alexander's dead ex-wife Evelyn Sinclair. If you're alive, why haunt my aunt like some ghost?" She squared her shoulders. "I swear if you—"

"This is between me and the Blackwoods." Evelyn cut her off with a glacial stare that could freeze hell. "Stay out of it unless you want to get scorched."

Yvonne's bravado faltered. When Evelyn took a step forward, the younger woman actually stumbled backward, her mouth snapping shut.

Left exposed, Margaret trembled like a leaf in a storm. "W-what do you want from me?"

Evelyn arched a perfect brow. "What do I want?" Her laughter held razor blades. "That's my line, darling. Tell me—what did I ever do to deserve your cruelty?"

She advanced slowly, each click of her heels echoing like a death knell.

"I came into this family with clean hands. Victoria was the architect of my marriage to Alexander. Yet you treated me like filth beneath your designer shoes." Her voice cracked like a whip. "You called me a gold-digging whore. Believed every lie Victoria fed you. Forced me to divorce so your precious daughter-in-law could take my place!"

Margaret flinched as if struck.

"That night I came to dinner in agony, barely able to stand—you forced curry down my throat until I vomited blood." Evelyn's eyes glittered with unshed tears. "You thought I was being dramatic. Did you even see the blood, Margaret? Or were you too busy playing the victim?"

The older woman's breathing turned ragged. She had no defense.

A bitter chuckle escaped Evelyn's lips. "I used to think marrying Alexander made me the luckiest woman alive." She adjusted her coat sleeves with deliberate calm. "Turns out I was the universe's favorite punching bag."

Margaret's hands twisted in her lap.

Evelyn picked up her handbag, her smile turning lethal. "Here's the thing, mother-in-law—had you shown me an ounce of kindness, I might have spared you." She leaned in, whispering like a lover. "But since you didn't... enjoy the hell I've prepared for you."

Margaret's face drained of color.

Evelyn turned on her heel—only to freeze mid-step.

Standing in the doorway was the last person she expected to see.