Chapter 11

Evelyn casually twisted her chestnut hair into an elegant updo, securing it with a sapphire-encrusted hairpin. The sky-blue evening gown she wore shimmered under the chandelier lights as she performed "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera, with Sebastian as her sole audience.

Her emerald eyes sparkled with theatrical emotion, every glance telling its own story.

When the final note faded, Sebastian rose from his seat, applauding with genuine admiration. "Brava! Camille's vocal coaching has worked wonders. In another era, you'd have royal suitors lining up at the palace gates!"

"Who needs princes?" Evelyn scoffed, snapping her fingers dramatically. "I'd rather be the queen who rules them all."

Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. "Our three stepmothers already treat you like royalty, little sister."

Evelyn's expression softened as she settled beside her eldest brother. Guilt prickled her conscience when she thought of her stepmothers' kindness.

"They've missed you terribly these past three years," Sebastian murmured, draping an arm around her shoulders. "Lillian asks about you every week during our family dinners."

"What do you tell them?"

His brow furrowed. "When you joined Doctors Without Borders, we all knew it was because you were running from Father." His grip tightened slightly. "But Evelyn... we can't change who he is. Even Nathan has flaws, and you loved him for years. Didn't marriage reveal them all?"

Evelyn's fingers instinctively found the jade bracelet circling her wrist, its cool surface grounding her.

"The difference is you could leave Nathan," Sebastian continued gently. "But Father's blood runs through your veins. Since you can't change that, perhaps it's time to accept him? He loves you deeply. And the ladies Kingsley... they're good women who've kept our family intact all these years. I'd stake my reputation on that."

Little did Sebastian know, Evelyn had already made peace with her stepmothers two years prior.

Meanwhile at Cliffside Manor, Oliver Sinclair finished bandaging Nathan's wound and discreetly exited the bedroom.

Nathan massaged his temples, Victoria's hysterical sobs still ringing in his ears. The gentle girl from his memories would never have thrown crystal vases or shattered mirrors. People change, he reasoned with a sigh.

Yet Victoria had been his light during his darkest days. That loyalty bound him to her irrevocably. Come hell or high water, he would marry her.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Nathan signed several documents before his gaze fell upon the suit draped over the sofa. He rose to inspect it.

Though similar in height to Sebastian Kingsley, Nathan's broader shoulders and muscular frame made most off-the-rack suits fit poorly. Yet this one... He held it up critically.

"Hideous," he muttered.

Minutes later, Nathan stood before the full-length mirror, arms outstretched. The suit fit like a second skin, its craftsmanship rivaling Savile Row's finest. How could a simple country girl possess such refined taste?

A knock interrupted his thoughts. Agnes Thornton entered bearing warm milk, her kind eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "Oh! Master Nathan! You're wearing the suit young madam made for you! She'll be—"

"Made for me?" Nathan whirled around.

Agnes nodded eagerly. "The young madam had me collect it from the tailor last month. Made me swear secrecy—said it was your birthday surprise."

"My birthday isn't for months," Nathan countered coldly.

"Agnes, I appreciate your loyalty, but Evelyn's gone. There's no need to fabricate stories on her behalf."

The elderly nanny drew herself up indignantly. "In sixty years of service, I've never lied to a Blackwood! The young madam spent months on that suit—hand-stitched every seam, personally selected the fabric from—"

"Enough!" Nathan tore off the jacket as if burned. "We're divorced. I don't care what she did. Leave me."

"But Master Nathan, why divorce such a devoted wife?"

"Devoted?" Nathan's laugh was razor-sharp. "She jumped into another man's arms the moment she left!"

Agnes gasped. "That's impossible! The young madam adored—"

"Enough!" Nathan's voice cracked like a whip. "If she loved me, why the charade? Did she think time would make me forget Victoria? That I'm some fool to be manipulated?"

As Agnes mournfully folded the discarded suit, she whispered, "You'll regret letting her go, Master Nathan."

Dawn found Evelyn awake at 5 AM despite her best efforts to sleep in. Three years of rising early to cook for the Blackwoods had rewired her internal clock.

Now? No more choking on kitchen smoke. No more catering to an ungrateful household. Divorce was glorious!

After a quick shower, she donned form-fitting athletic wear and headed to the estate's private lake. As her paddleboard glided across the glassy surface, birdsong serenaded her from flowering banks. The rising sun painted the water gold as Evelyn's toned figure cut through the calm, leaving ephemeral ripples in her wake.

Post-workout, she breakfasted and dressed with care, descending the grand staircase rejuvenated.

Theodore Winslow's jaw dropped when she appeared.

Today, Evelyn's hair was swept into a sleek high ponytail, her bold makeup accentuating flawless features. The crimson dress beneath her black coat clung to every curve, while mile-long legs made Theodore's mouth go dry.

"Close your mouth before flies get in," Evelyn teased, snapping her fingers before his dazed face.

Theodore flushed crimson. "Ms. Carter, you look... breathtaking."

"You're Sebastian's chief secretary, Theo. Must you gawk like a schoolboy every time?" Evelyn sighed in mock disappointment.

Her Rolls-Royce purred to Monarch Grand Hotel's entrance.

Employees froze like deer in headlights when their stunning CEO materialized unannounced. Though she could have graced any magazine cover, none dared look directly at the woman who'd reduced managers to tears yesterday. The marble floors gleamed; every ingredient was market-fresh—no one risked cutting corners now.

After a thorough inspection, Evelyn retreated to her office. "Theo, I'm settled here. You may return to Sebastian."

"No need," Theodore beamed. "Mr. Kingsley has reassigned me as your permanent secretary."

"What?!" Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Sebastian mentioned a gift today. You're it?!"

Theodore blinked innocently.

Evelyn groaned internally. Only her brother would gift-wrap a human being.

Noting her silence, Theodore panicked. "Ms. Carter, if you'd prefer someone without... prior ownership—"

"Don't be absurd," Evelyn cut him off. "It's called 'seasoned professional experience.'"

"Right! I look forward to learning from you. A modest salary bump would suffice..." he joked.

Evelyn propped her chin on steepled fingers, crimson lips curling dangerously. "Excel, and I'll make you wealthy. Underperform, and I'll demote you to third-hand secretary."

Theodore gulped and launched into his report. "Per yesterday's orders, all Luxe Furnishings bedding has been removed. Monarch Group hotels worldwide will complete replacements within the week."

A frantic knock interrupted them.