Chapter 75

Evelyn's expression remained unreadable.

She knew exactly how venomous and manipulative Penelope could be. The insinuation was clear—Evelyn was nothing more than a gold-digging divorcee from the countryside, preying on wealthy men.

Victoria, Penelope, and Cassandra exchanged smug glances.

The Kingsleys and the Blackwoods had always been at odds. As the eldest son of Harrison Kingsley, Sebastian held immense social standing. He could have any woman he desired. Why would he ever settle for Nathan Blackwood’s discarded ex-wife?

It would only make him a laughingstock.

Nathan’s jaw tightened, his striking eyes darkening with barely restrained fury. "Aunt Penelope, this is my personal matter. You have no right to comment."

"Nathan, while this may be personal, it affects the reputations of both our families. I’m merely informing Mrs. Kingsley so she isn’t blindsided later. I’m only looking out for everyone’s best interests!" Penelope’s words dripped with false concern.

"Our families’ reputations?" Lillian arched a brow, her voice icy. "Didn’t Ms. Carter divorce Mr. Blackwood? That means she has no further ties to your family. Mrs. Blackwood, why do you still believe her actions reflect on yours?"

She smirked, her tone cutting. "Or did she sign her life away to the Blackwoods upon marriage? Is she eternally bound to your family? If Ms. Carter and Sebastian are compatible, there’s nothing scandalous about their relationship. Do you truly believe the Kingsleys would reject her simply because she’s divorced? What century are we living in? Mrs. Blackwood, you should broaden your perspective."

Julian couldn’t help but clap, thoroughly enjoying Lillian’s ruthless dismantling of Penelope’s theatrics.

Margaret, Victoria, and Cassandra stood frozen, their faces burning with humiliation.

They had underestimated Lillian’s fierce protectiveness over Evelyn.

"Mrs. Kingsley, as a woman of high society, surely you understand my concerns?" Penelope pressed, desperation creeping into her voice. "Ms. Carter moved on to Mr. Kingsley immediately after her divorce. If word spreads, people will assume she was involved with him while still married to Nathan. That’s disgraceful. As the matriarch of the Kingsley family, shouldn’t you safeguard your children’s futures?"

"Enough."

Lillian raised a slender hand, her elegance effortlessly eclipsing Penelope’s crassness. "This is between the young ones. While I may be an elder, I am not Sebastian’s mother—I have no right to interfere. Mrs. Blackwood, you aren’t Nathan’s birth mother either, are you? Isn’t this conversation beneath you?"

Penelope’s mouth snapped shut, her face draining of color.

"Furthermore," Lillian continued, her voice sharp as steel, "Harrison is my partner, but I am not the matriarch of the Kingsley family. I won’t tolerate such remarks again."

Evelyn bit her lip, her nose stinging with suppressed emotion.

There was only one true matriarch of the Kingsley family—her mother.

Nathan’s lips thinned, his cold gaze flickering with something unreadable.

He had never loved Evelyn. Their marriage had been in name only, fraught with tension and resentment.

Yet, hearing Penelope’s cruel jabs felt like a direct attack on his pride.

"Ms. Carter, were you looking for Sebastian? I’ll take you to him." Lillian’s voice softened as she turned to Evelyn.

"Thank you, Mrs. Kingsley. I appreciate your kindness." Evelyn smiled, every inch the poised lady.

"Such grace and beauty."

Lillian took Evelyn’s hand, her touch warm. Deliberately loud, she added, "Sebastian has impeccable taste in choosing you."