Chapter 456

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Evelyn stirred awake, blinking in confusion at the familiar surroundings of Fairhaven.

Had she been teleported home?

She pinched her arm sharply, wincing at the sting.

No dream. She was really back in her family’s estate.

Just then, Lillian and Sophia swept into the room, their expressions a mix of relief and exasperation. Sophia smirked, crossing her arms. "Teleport? Oh, darling, if only you had such convenient magic."

"Evelyn, how are you feeling?" Lillian perched on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing over Evelyn’s hollowed cheeks. "You’ve lost weight again. Have you been pushing yourself too hard?"

Sophia’s eyes welled up as she blurted, "You shouldn’t go back to Crestview, that wretched city! Stay here where you belong—spoiled and adored like the princess you are. Why bother competing with those brutish men? Just name your desire, and we’ll make it happen. Even if you want Bruno served as sashimi!"

Evelyn choked back a laugh. "Thanks, but I’ll pass on the alligator delicacy."

"Sophia doesn’t know how to show concern gently," Lillian murmured, her heart aching. "She adores you. And I… I feel so guilty. You’ve endured too much. How will I explain this to your mother? She entrusted us to keep you safe and happy."

Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "It was just a stomachache. You’re all overreacting."

Sophia’s eyes widened dramatically. "Overreacting? When you were little, we’d panic if you so much as sneezed!"

"Evelyn," Lillian sighed, "your father stayed up all night worrying. He hasn’t eaten a thing, waiting for you to wake."

Evelyn bolted upright. "What? I’ll drag him to the dining room myself!"

Then she paused, frowning. "Wait—how did I even get back last night?"

Sophia’s lips pursed. "Sebastian carried you in."

Evelyn smiled faintly. Of course, it was Sebastian. Her dependable older brother.

But Sophia’s frown deepened. "Though when he brought you in, he looked… troubled. I’ve rarely seen him like that. What did you do to him?"

Evelyn gaped. "Me? I’d never dare cause trouble for family! You know that."

Lillian and Sophia exchanged glances. "So, he’s upset about someone else," they said in unison.

Rubbing her temples, Evelyn swung her legs off the bed. "Never mind that. I’m going to see Harrison."

In the study, Harrison sat slumped on the sofa, his expression stormy.

Memories of the previous night haunted him—Sebastian carrying Evelyn in, her face pale, her body curled in pain even in sleep. The sight had twisted his heart like a knife.

"Chairman," Quentin ventured cautiously, "have you seen today’s headlines? The internet is hailing Ms. Evelyn as a celestial goddess."

"A goddess?" Harrison scoffed. "More like a troublemaking imp. She won’t rest until she’s turned the world upside down!" He slammed a fist on the armrest. "Why can’t she just enjoy being a pampered heiress? Must she court chaos?"

Camille blinked in surprise. "Harrison… did you already know Evelyn is Alexa?"

"She’s my daughter," he snapped. "Aside from her secret marriage to that Blackwood boy, is there anything I don’t know about her?"

The little girl he’d once cradled was now a force of nature, wild and unpredictable.

"You should be proud," Camille insisted, her cheeks flushing with excitement. "A top-tier jewelry designer! The Queen of Valmont wears her creations. Lillian and Sophia say it’s a legacy to boast about for generations!"

Harrison massaged his temples. "It’s not her talent I doubt. It’s her recklessness. The way she bulldozes through Crestview—she’s making enemies left and right!"

His voice dropped. "People aren’t trustworthy. What if someone harms her before I can intervene?"

The door burst open.

Evelyn strode in, radiant and grinning.

"Hmph! Let’s see which naughty child skipped breakfast. If you don’t eat, I’ll raid your precious antique collection and donate it all to the retirement home—as chamber pots!"

"Evelyn," Camille gasped, "are you alright?"