Chapter 87

Evelyn remained at the Celestial Atelier for three exhausting days.

To recreate the jade bracelet Reginald had given her, she barely slept during this period. When exhaustion overwhelmed her, she would collapse onto the workshop couch for brief naps. Simple meals sustained her as she tirelessly worked the precious stone.

During daylight hours, Evelyn shooed away her protective brothers. Yet each evening, they canceled all engagements to dine with her.

Despite the lavish spread of her favorite dishes they procured, Evelyn merely poked at her food with disinterest, chin resting heavily in her palm.

The Kingsley brothers exchanged worried glances, helpless in their ignorance of jewelry craftsmanship.

"Ms. Carter."

Evelyn blinked slowly at Walter's voice, her gaze dull with fatigue.

Walter produced an exquisite embroidered jewelry box from his jacket, placing it before her with reverence.

"Uncle Walter, what's this?"

"Open it."

Frowning, Evelyn lifted the lid—then gasped, hands flying to cover her parted lips. Inside lay a translucent jade bracelet nearly identical to the one she'd broken!

"My master Edmund left this behind. Among his lifetime creations, this was his proudest work." Walter sighed heavily. "He intended it for his beloved, but fate intervened."

"Master Fairchild had a lover? I thought he was a lifelong bachelor," Dominic mumbled through a mouthful of steak.

Walter shot him a withering look. "Even geniuses experience love, young man."

"I assumed Master Fairchild only cared for gemstones," Maxwell quipped, swirling his wine.

"Then why didn't he give it to her? Cold feet?" Sebastian teased.

Walter's expression darkened. "They attended university together. For twenty years, Edmund teased her mercilessly, never realizing his own feelings until it was too late. When she married another, he planned to gift this bracelet at her wedding. But that morning..." His voice cracked. "A horrific accident took her life."

The Kingsley siblings fell silent, the weight of tragedy pressing upon them.

"After that, Master Edmund swore off romance. He poured his grief into jade carving, slowly mending his shattered heart through artistry."

"His love became immortal," Evelyn whispered, eyes shimmering with emotion.

"Yet all this pain stemmed from his silence," Maxwell observed bluntly. Three pairs of furious eyes turned on him, making him gulp his wine in retreat.

A bitter taste flooded Evelyn's mouth. If even the emotionally reserved Master Fairchild could love so deeply... What did that say about Nathan after three years of marriage?

Had Nathan felt even a flicker of remorse during their divorce?

Impossible.

How could he have spewed such cruel words otherwise? How could he consistently side with those vipers against her?

Now divorced, she no longer held the Blackwood name—not that Nathan had ever shown her basic respect while she did.

Evelyn drained her wine glass in one burning swallow, the alcohol clearing her mind. Comparing that bastard to Master Fairchild was sacrilege enough to make the late artisan spin in his grave.

"Ms. Carter, please accept this bracelet. After careful comparison, it's the closest match to your broken one."

"No! This is Master Fairchild's relic—it's priceless!" Evelyn shoved the box away in panic.

"My master's final wish was to preserve his collection untouched... except for Harrison's descendants. You may take whatever you desire from his legacy."

Evelyn's nose stung, tears welling. "Uncle Walter, I—"

"I've witnessed your tireless efforts these past days. Whoever this bracelet represents must mean everything to you." Walter pressed the box firmly into her hands. "Your grandfather would be proud to know his work brings you comfort."

That night, the Kingsley siblings departed the atelier after emotional farewells.

In the Rolls-Royce returning to Crestview, Evelyn drowsed against Sebastian's shoulder, the jewelry box clutched protectively to her chest.

"Evelyn," Sebastian began hesitantly, voice gravelly with tension. "Nathan contacted me the night you returned to Fairhaven."

Her heart lurched, but she forced calm into her voice. "Oh?"