Chapter 15: Chapter 15

569 words

<html><head></head><body>Alexander's expression darkened instantly. "You're talking about Nathaniel Whitmore's grandmother, aren't you? He's already married. Why are you still clinging to him?" "Nat's getting a divorce, Alexander. He never loved that woman anyway. After three years, he must realize who truly belongs with him." Victoria pressed on anxiously, "Alexander, the surgery is nothing for Julian! Please convince him for me? He listens to you." She could use this operation as leverage to secure her marriage to Nathaniel. "I won't do it," Alexander replied flatly before hanging up. Even though Victoria was adopted, Alexander refused to let her marry Nathaniel—a ruthless, cold-hearted man who had already been married once. He checked the newly formed One Big Happy Family group chat. For now, the family had agreed to keep their discovery of Evelyn a secret from Victoria. At the very least, they needed to win Evelyn over first. Alexander returned to the hotel suite's living room. "Everyone will arrive by tonight, Evelyn. Let's have dinner together." "Tonight?" Remembering her promise to dine with Eleanor, Evelyn hesitated. "I already made plans with a friend."  "That's fine," Alexander reassured her. "We're in no rush. After all these years, waiting a little longer won't hurt." Seeing how careful he was with her, Evelyn pressed her lips together. "I'll come back early tonight." Alexander gently brushed a strand of Evelyn's hair behind her ear. "You're going out for dinner with a friend, right? Do you have enough money?" Evelyn stiffened, unused to such affection. Her reply came out slightly rigid. "I have enough." She retreated to the bedroom to change. Margaret followed, murmuring, "You're going to the Whitmores', aren't you?"  "You guessed it, Aunt Margaret. Eleanor has always been kind to me. I need to explain things to her." "Evelyn, I didn’t tell your brother about your marriage and divorce, but I’m worried about you going there." "Let’s keep my past with Nathaniel a secret. I don’t want Alexander storming over to confront him." Margaret didn’t push further, though her eyes reddened. "You don’t have to endure such humiliation anymore. We don’t care about those wealthy families." Evelyn nodded. After changing, she studied her reflection in the mirror, her hand resting lightly on her stomach.  She would begin anew—with her child. When Evelyn left, Alexander followed her to the lobby. "Where are you going? I’ll drive you." "It’s fine," she declined. "I’ll take the bus." Alexander couldn’t bear the thought of his sister crammed into public transport. He had an entire fleet of luxury cars ready for her—but as a mere "real estate agent," he had to restrain himself. Spotting a taxi, he quickly hailed it and paid upfront. "Take this. The bus will be too crowded. I can afford this much."  He couldn’t stand the idea of Evelyn squeezed between strangers. After years apart, he wanted to make up for lost time. Unable to refuse, Evelyn finally climbed into the cab, offering Alexander a small wave. A faint smile touched her lips. It felt… nice, having a family again. The taxi pulled up to the Whitmore estate. Staring at the familiar mansion, Evelyn hesitated, unsure how to break the news of her divorce to Eleanor. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. A young woman emerged from the garden. "A taxi this time, Evelyn? No more pretending to be the thrifty, dutiful wife?" Her lips curled mockingly. "Finally spending the Whitmore fortune on yourself?"  </body></html>