Chapter 461

Chaos reigned at the Blackwood estate.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter swayed gently on the antique swing at Willow Creek Estate, soaking in the golden afternoon light.

The swing stood empty most days, reserved solely for her use.

Her father, Harrison Kingsley, had commissioned this swing decades ago for her late mother. Legend had it that Camille Kingsley would spend hours here, barefoot toes skimming the grass as she swung through the breeze. Some afternoons, she'd doze off right here, lulled by the rhythmic motion.

Harrison would always be the one pushing the swing. Their silhouettes would dance together in the sunlight, a perfect harmony of movement and stillness. Sometimes they'd simply sit together, wordlessly appreciating the garden's blossoms drifting on the wind.

After Camille's passing, Harrison insisted the staff maintain the swing daily.

As if his beloved wife had merely stepped out for tea and would return any moment.

"Theodore, Ms. Wang has been quite persistent about re-engaging our services." The swing creaked as Theodore Winslow gave it another gentle push. "She's requested a private dinner to offer her formal apologies."

Evelyn took another crisp bite of her honeycrisp apple. "Since she couldn't reach me directly, she's been harassing you instead?"

"Relentlessly." Theodore grimaced, his gaze lingering on the apple's juicy flesh. "My phone hasn't stopped buzzing for two days straight."

"Consider it language practice." Evelyn's lips curved around another bite, glistening with juice.

"You're teasing me again." Theodore's throat moved as he watched her eat, the apple suddenly seeming far less appealing than the woman enjoying it.

"In the past, you would've accepted immediately - business before pleasure."

Evelyn tapped her ballet flats against the manicured lawn, slowing the swing. "But now I'm Alexa. An icon can't appear too eager." She shrugged. "My cameo served its purpose."

"True enough." Theodore nodded. "Isabella Wang learned the hard way that crossing Evelyn Carter has consequences."

"Not everything's about revenge." Evelyn stretched, the sunlight catching in her chestnut hair. "I'm simply not in the mood for her brand of theatrics."

The swing creaked softly between them.

"Besides," she added, "the Éclat showcase was a triumph. Monarch Group can survive without Isabella's patronage."

The universe, it seemed, had already balanced the scales for Isabella's earlier slights.

Evelyn's phone vibrated against the wrought iron armrest.

An unknown number flashed across the screen. Normally she'd ignore such calls, but something made her swipe to answer.

"Hello, is this Ms. Evelyn Carter?"

The name struck like a physical blow, transporting her instantly to another lifetime.

How long had it been since anyone called her that?

The voice unearthed memories she'd carefully buried beneath layers of designer labels and boardroom victories.

"Yes, this is Evelyn."

"Ms. Carter, I'm calling from Mount Evercrest National Park." The man's voice held a familiar warmth. "I'm the new head ranger - Frederick Whitaker's protégé. You can call me Zachary."

He had no idea he was speaking to the heiress of Monarch Group, to the woman behind the Alexa brand.

Mount Evercrest - where fate first intertwined Evelyn's path with Nathan Blackwood's.