Chapter 271

Evelyn studied her reflection in the mirror, her fingers tracing the deliberately applied freckles. "Is my natural charm so irresistible that even this ridiculous disguise can't conceal it?" she muttered. "Or are these men just desperate to become Harrison Kingsley's son-in-law?" A wave of disgust washed over her as she examined her artificially plain features.

The intoxication of power truly knew no bounds. It could make rational men willingly blind themselves to reality. Thank heavens she'd come prepared with multiple escape plans.

Her first date had been at an upscale bistro. With practiced innocence, Evelyn had offered to read his pulse, then dramatically declared his organs were failing like a septuagenarian's. The thirty-year-old heir had turned purple with rage before storming out mid-appetizer.

The second encounter took place in a garden café. Evelyn spent the entire afternoon staring intently at the empty space behind her companion's chair. When the flustered gentleman finally asked what held her attention, she'd whispered, "Mr. Walter, there's a pale little boy standing right behind you. He keeps tugging at your jacket. Shouldn't we offer him some cake?" Her voice dropped to a haunted whisper. "He looks... hungry."

That suitor hadn't even waited for the check before fleeing.

Date number three had been deceptively normal - a matinee performance followed by tea. As they exited the theater, Mr. Lee politely suggested continuing their evening. "Ms. Kingsley, I've thoroughly enjoyed your company. Would you care to join me for dinner?"

Evelyn beamed. "What a lovely idea!" She reached for her oversized tote bag, letting the bold red lettering catch the light: FAIRHAVEN PSYCHIATRIC CENTER - PATIENT BELONGINGS.

"Mr. Lee," she asked sweetly as his face drained of color, "why are you backing away? The voices say you should stay for dessert."

Now, as twilight painted the teahouse in golden hues, Evelyn and Theodore waited for the fourth and final candidate. The tranquil space reminded her of Willow Creek Estate, with its delicate aroma of jasmine tea and the soft murmur of a bamboo water feature.

Theodore watched her with growing apprehension. "Ms. Evelyn, while your methods are... creative, aren't you concerned these gentlemen might spread unpleasant rumors? Your reputation in Crestview—"

"Let them talk!" Evelyn laughed, expertly darkening another freckle with her eyeliner. "The more they claim Harrison Kingsley's daughter is unhinged, the better. This should finally make Father abandon his matchmaking schemes." She smirked at her reflection. "Trying to outmaneuver me? He's losing his edge."

Theodore's lips twitched. "Though wouldn't it be simpler if your true match appeared? Someone who sees beyond... all this?" His gaze held unspoken longing.

Evelyn sighed, stowing her makeup. "Believe me, I'd love nothing more than to stop this ridiculous parade of suitors."

As Theodore's phone buzzed, Evelyn turned to the window, breathing in the fragrant evening air. The rustling leaves and distant birdsong almost made her forget this entire charade.

Then the door slid open.

The measured cadence of Italian leather soles announced the newcomer's approach. An unusual fragrance preceded him - not the predictable colognes of wealthy bachelors, but something far more intriguing. Violet leaves blended with something floral yet masculine, like moonlit gardens and secrets.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered open as the scent wrapped around her. Slowly, deliberately, she turned to inspect her final date of the evening.

Her breath caught.

Alexander Whitmore stood before her, impeccably dressed, a single white rose in hand. "My deepest apologies for the delay, Ms. Kingsley," he murmured, his voice like velvet over steel.

Theodore discreetly exited as Evelyn's pulse quickened. This was no ordinary suitor - this was the man who'd haunted her dreams since childhood. Critter had grown up, and the game had just become infinitely more complicated.