Chapter 469
For three blissful days, Evelyn surrendered to the comforts of Cliffside Manor, indulging in lavish meals and uninterrupted rest.
Her three stepmothers—Lillian, Camille, and Sophia—pulled out all stops to pamper her. Camille especially took charge of the kitchen, preparing gourmet dishes that made Evelyn's taste buds dance.
The scale didn't lie—three pounds gained in as many days.
"This is ridiculous," Evelyn groaned, pinching her slightly fuller waistline. "I'll never fit into my designer dresses at this rate."
"Darling, diets can wait until after dessert," Camille cooed while Sophia nodded vigorously, already plating another serving of tiramisu.
With Harrison and Sebastian attending a business summit in Serenia, the Kingsley women enjoyed an intimate luncheon free from masculine interruptions.
"Ms. Evelyn! Breaking news!" Theodore burst into the dining room, his usually composed face alight with excitement. "Cassandra Blackwood's been arrested for corporate fraud! Penelope's having hysterics, and Leonard's scrambling to post bail."
Evelyn dabbed her lips with a monogrammed napkin. "Took Crestview PD long enough. Their efficiency pales compared to Fairhaven's force." Her tone carried mild amusement. "Though I suppose arresting an heiress requires... delicate handling."
Lillian piled more food onto Evelyn's plate. "Eat up, dear. Camille's truffle risotto won't reheat well."
"I literally can't—" Evelyn's protest ended in an unladylike burp that sent her stepmothers into peals of laughter.
Theodore's lips quirked at the adorable sight. Instinctively, he moved to pat Evelyn's back. "Easy there, Ms. Kingsley. Wouldn't want you choking on Camille's famous cooking."
Lillian's sharp eyes caught the tender gesture, her brow furrowing slightly.
"While Cassandra deserves punishment for targeting Evelyn repeatedly," Sophia declared, abandoning table manners in her husband's absence, "Penelope should be in cuffs too! That viper probably put her daughter up to it. When will karma strike that—"
"Sophia! Your food's getting cold." Camille's voice held an unusual edge as she shoved a bread roll into Sophia's mouth.
Evelyn's eyes narrowed to sapphire slits.
There was history here—something between Camille and Penelope.
Rather than confront Camille immediately, Evelyn cornered Sophia in her private sitting room after lunch.
"Why did I open my big mouth today?" Sophia groaned, slapping her forehead. "I swore to Camille I'd never discuss this with the children."
The pieces clicked. Before marrying Harrison, Camille had worked with Penelope at Gemstone Network. Both rising stars at the time, Camille had been the golden girl while Penelope languished in supporting roles.
"Penelope's always been manipulative and jealous," Evelyn mused, swirling her tea. "I'd wager she sabotaged Camille's career out of envy."
"You have no idea how—" Sophia bit her lip hard. "I can't. I made a promise."
Evelyn leaned forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Aunt Sophia, if Penelope hurt Aunt Camille, don't you want justice? The Kingsleys don't tolerate injustice."