Chapter 170

"Evelyn Carter, you're truly heartless for tormenting your own sister!"

"Agnes, I understand your distress, but I'm no longer married to Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn's voice held quiet resignation. "I'm merely an outsider now with no authority to meddle in his family affairs."

The news of Cassandra's cruelty toward Eleanor had ignited fury in Evelyn's chest. Yet her hands were tied.

"Who else can I turn to? Who else would listen?" Agnes's voice cracked with unshed tears.

"Please don't cry, Agnes."

The sound of muffled sobs through the phone made Evelyn shift uncomfortably. She softened her tone. "You must protect Eleanor. If an opportunity arises, I'll do everything in my power to help."

"Thank you, Mrs. Carter!" Agnes's gratitude was palpable before the reluctant click of the call ending.

Evelyn stared at the darkened screen, exhaling slowly.

"That was the longtime housekeeper from the Blackwood estate you've mentioned before?" Sebastian Kingsley set down his teacup, his sharp gaze assessing.

"Yes. She raised Nathan since childhood." Evelyn traced the edge of her phone. "A genuinely kind soul. She showed me nothing but warmth during my time there."

This was Evelyn's nature - fierce retaliation against those who wronged her, eternal remembrance of kindness shown.

"For Agnes to reach out... the situation must be dire."

"It concerns Eleanor Blackwood, Nathan's youngest sister."

Evelyn's chest constricted at the thought of the guileless girl. The autistic child, withdrawn and vulnerable. Though born to Leonard and Penelope Blackwood, she remained invisible to them. "When I lived there, I could shield her from Cassandra's worst impulses. Now..." Her nails bit into her palms. "Without restraint, Cassandra's cruelty knows no bounds."

"However tragic Eleanor's circumstances, these are Blackwood family matters." Sebastian's sigh carried the weight of fraternal concern. "You're divorced from Nathan. Distance yourself."

"I know my limits." Evelyn circled behind her brother, draping her arms over his broad shoulders. "Now tell me, what brings the Monarch Group CEO here in broad daylight? Miss your baby sister?"

Sebastian's chuckle vibrated beneath her hands. "Always. But this arrived at dawn." From his tailored jacket, he produced an embossed invitation. "It warrants discussion."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

"Delivered personally by Reginald Blackwood's secretary." Amusement laced Sebastian's words, though skepticism darkened his eyes.

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn. "My mess has splashed onto you." She flicked the heavy cardstock. "The Blackwoods and Kingsleys have been sworn business rivals for decades. Why extend an olive branch now? This reeks of Penelope's scheming."

Sebastian stroked his jawline. "If they're laying traps, the birthday gala could become a battlefield."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Evelyn tossed her hair defiantly. "I didn't fear Nathan - why should I tremble before some washed-up socialite?"

Her brother's large hand cradled her neck, his thumb brushing her pulse point. "I'm going."

"What?"

"We Kingsleys don't retreat from challenges." Steel underscored Sebastian's gentle tone. "I failed to protect you before. Never again."

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes.

Sebastian pulled her into an embrace. "If you walk into that vipers' nest alone, they'll tear you apart. I won't allow it."

Evelyn buried her face in his shoulder, warmth flooding her chest.

For so long, she'd chased love in all the wrong places. Now she remembered - true devotion had been here all along.