Chapter 222

Evelyn felt an odd discomfort creeping up her legs, like tiny spiders skittering across her skin.

The tenderness in the air had curdled, leaving a bitter aftertaste like spoiled cream.

She pulled out her phone and dialed Theodore. "Theo, I'm at Cliffside Manor in Crestview. Come get me now."

"What?!" His voice crackled with shock. "Why are you there?"

"Long story," she sighed. "Just hurry."

After hanging up, Evelyn marched upstairs.

She refused to linger in this suffocating mansion a second longer than necessary. All she wanted was to grab her things and vanish the moment Theo arrived.

Her old room wasn't far from Eleanor's. After checking with a maid about Eleanor's whereabouts, she decided to visit.

As Evelyn approached Eleanor's door, Cassandra's shrill voice sliced through the wood.

"You lying little mouse! What really happened between you and Julian at Grandfather's party? Spit it out!"

"N-nothing! Really—" Eleanor's tearful stammer twisted Evelyn's heart.

"Liar!"

Cassandra's rage escalated. "Do you expect me to believe nothing happened when he was drugged? Those marks on his neck didn't come from nothing! Or was he mauled by a stray dog?"

"I don't remember! I swear— Ah!"

CRASH!

The sound of shattering porcelain exploded through the door.

Evelyn saw red. Her fists clenched as she kicked the door open, startling the fuming Cassandra.

"You again?!"

Before Cassandra could react, something whizzed toward her face.

THWACK!

A slipper connected with a sickening smack.

"AHH!"

Another slipper followed, smacking Cassandra square between the eyes.

Her nose swelled instantly. Stars danced in her vision as a perfect shoe print bloomed across her forehead.

Cassandra clutched her face, finger trembling as she pointed at Evelyn. Fury rendered her speechless.

"Did you gargle sewage? Your breath reeks." Evelyn crossed her arms, tilting her head with a razor-sharp smile.

"Annie!" Eleanor whimpered from the corner, trembling.

When she spotted Evelyn, tears spilled down her cheeks.

"Evelyn Carter! You psychotic witch!"

Cassandra's face burned from the impact. These slipper soles packed more punch than brass knuckles. "Don't think your last name makes you untouchable! As a Blackwood, I won't let this slide!"

"Promises, promises." Evelyn's icy gaze dripped with mockery. "If you had any spine, you wouldn't be bullying your sister behind closed doors. If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were raised by rabid hyenas."

It took Cassandra three full seconds to process the insult. Then she lunged, claws outstretched. "You BITCH! I'll tear you apart!"

Evelyn sighed in disgust.

She refused to touch this rabid creature—who knew what diseases she carried?

Just as Cassandra's nails grazed Evelyn's sleeve, an iron grip locked around Cassandra's wrist.

"AGH! Let go!" Cassandra shrieked, doubling over in pain.

Evelyn felt Nathan's imposing presence behind her and spun around in shock.

Their eyes collided.

For a fleeting moment, she thought she glimpsed concern in those obsidian depths. But no—that couldn't be right.

She'd sooner believe in unicorns than trust this man to care.

"Did she hurt you?" Nathan's voice was uncharacteristically soft as his gaze swept over Evelyn. The concern in his tone felt alien.