Chapter 213

The divorce papers were signed, severing Evelyn Carter's thirteen-year marriage to Nathan Blackwood.

If memory served her right, Nathan would wed Victoria Sterling right after Reginald Blackwood's eightieth birthday celebration.

Victoria had finally gotten what she wanted - the chance to parade as Mrs. Blackwood, wife of Blackwood Industries' powerful CEO.

The thought didn't bother Evelyn. She genuinely wished them happiness.

After all, Victoria was the perfect match for Nathan.

That evening, Evelyn returned to Fairhaven with her brothers Sebastian, Dominic, and her loyal assistant Theodore Winslow.

"Evelyn!"

The moment she stepped through the wrought-iron gates of Willow Creek Estate, a melodious voice called out to her.

Evelyn's lips curved into a radiant smile. "Arabella!"

Harrison Kingsley's youngest daughter came running down the marble pathway, her sundress fluttering like butterfly wings.

"Evelyn! I've missed you terribly!"

Arabella threw herself into Evelyn's arms. Tears glistened in her kitten-like eyes, her nose turning the cutest shade of pink.

"My sweet little sister." Evelyn embraced her tightly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Why the tears when I'm finally home?"

Though nearly the same height, Sebastian and Dominic couldn't help noticing how Evelyn seemed to envelop their delicate sister.

"You won't leave us again, will you?" Arabella's voice trembled, her rosy cheeks damp with tears. She looked like a fragile rosebud about to bloom.

"I'm here to stay this time." Evelyn smoothed her sister's hair. "To help Father with Monarch Group and be with all of you. No more goodbyes."

Guilt twisted Evelyn's heart at the raw emotion in Arabella's eyes.

In her foolish pursuit of love and freedom, she'd abandoned the family who cherished her most.

But she was home now. The pain in Arabella's expression shattered her.

"Wonderful! Everyone's been waiting for your return!"

Arabella clung to Evelyn a moment longer before turning to greet her brothers with a polite bow.

"Sebastian. Dominic."

Dominic sighed. "No need for formalities, Arabella. We're your brothers, same as Evelyn."

Sebastian added gently, "You've lost weight. Is university treating you well?"

"I've been preparing for my graduation recital." Arabella's eyes sparkled before dimming with hesitation. "Would you... perhaps come to my performance? Only if you're not too busy, of course!"

"Wild horses couldn't keep us away," Dominic declared.

Sebastian nodded. "We'll clear our schedules."

Evelyn slung an arm around Arabella's shoulders. "Just give me the date and I'll block my entire calendar for my favorite sister!"

Arabella trembled with joy. "I'll send you all the details! Thank you!"

Evelyn stroked her sister's silken hair affectionately.

Arabella was the epitome of grace and consideration, never causing their family worry. Yet Evelyn's heart ached at how overly self-sufficient she was.

As Harrison's youngest and Camille's only child, Arabella should have been the most pampered. But Evelyn, as the legitimate heiress, had unwittingly stolen the spotlight.

Remarkably, Arabella bore no resentment. Camille had raised her to respect and adore her siblings. Since turning eighteen, Arabella refused family allowances, earning scholarships and working part-time. Her classmates never guessed she was a Kingsley.

Evelyn recognized the unshakable inferiority complex Arabella carried - the belief that as an "illegitimate" child, she deserved less.

"Miss Arabella," Theodore interjected smoothly, "might there be an extra ticket for me?"

Arabella's head snapped up. Meeting Theodore's warm gaze, a blush spread across her porcelain cheeks.