Chapter 520

Margaret Blackwood's reaction was so abrupt it drew immediate attention. Her sharp voice cut through the air like a blade.

Beside her, Victoria Ashford stood meekly, eyes downcast, as if trying to disappear into the background.

But the moment she spotted Evelyn Sinclair, a flicker of something dark and bitter flashed in her gaze.

Evelyn didn’t spare Victoria a glance. She merely lifted her eyes, cool and composed, to meet Margaret’s.

No explanation. No justification. She couldn’t be bothered.

Margaret realized she’d lost her composure and quickly schooled her expression.

The man seated across from Evelyn was immaculately dressed, his presence commanding. Every movement exuded effortless grace.

The child beside him was well-mannered, his politeness natural rather than forced.

Given Evelyn’s status, the company she kept was never ordinary.

Yet Margaret couldn’t resist prying.

"My mistake. Evelyn, is this your… boyfriend?"

She eyed Preston Sinclair as if she had any right to an answer.

By etiquette, he should have stood to greet her. But Preston had already assessed the situation—this woman meant nothing to Evelyn.

Evelyn took her time peeling a shrimp, her movements elegant, before placing it on Oliver Sinclair’s plate. Then she turned to Margaret.

Her voice was ice.

"Do we know each other well enough for introductions?"

Margaret’s face twisted. Evelyn was as infuriating as ever.

Victoria tugged at her sleeve. "Aunt Margaret, let’s not interrupt Ms. Sinclair’s meal. Shall we go?"

Margaret glanced at Victoria, pleased. Her future daughter-in-law might lack pedigree, but at least she knew her place.

She patted Victoria’s hand before smirking at Evelyn.

"If you’ve already found someone, Evelyn, then move your things out of Highland Estates. Don’t try to keep a foot in both camps—you’ll only end up with nothing."

Evelyn’s smile vanished.

Before she could respond, Preston let out a cold laugh.

His voice was calm, but his eyes, once warm, now held a dangerous chill.

"Ms. Sinclair has impeccable taste. She wouldn’t lower herself to associate with just any camp—especially not a worthless one."

The air froze.

Margaret bristled. "You have no right to speak!"

Evelyn countered smoothly, "Neither do you."

She picked up a napkin, wiping her slender fingers with deliberate precision.

"Hmph! Fine. Evelyn, haven’t you heard? The engagement is off. Women like you—too proud, too cold—end up with nothing but leftovers. A man with a child, no less. Pathetic."

She sneered at Oliver, who glared back, tiny fists clenched.

Evelyn’s gaze darkened. "Mrs. Blackwood, you should worry about your own future."

Oliver might not have understood everything, but he knew one thing—this woman had made his father angry.

That made her a villain.

He huffed. "Pretty Lady is a princess! Bad lady, you can’t bully my princess!"

Margaret scoffed. "She’ll be your wicked stepmother soon enough."

Instantly, both Evelyn and Preston’s expressions darkened.

The tension thickened, suffocating.

Victoria stayed silent, sensing the danger.

Evelyn pulled out her phone.

She dialed a number.

It was answered in less than a second.

"Evelyn?" Nathan Blackwood’s voice held unmistakable surprise—and hope.

Evelyn put the call on speaker.

Margaret stiffened at her son’s voice.

Evelyn’s tone was razor-sharp. "Mr. Blackwood, the Stanton and Blackwood families have only just begun to reconcile. Are you so eager to ruin it again?"