Chapter 225

Evelyn let out a derisive snort.

No matter what anyone said, Genevieve might be their cousin, but there was no blood relation between them.

Charles Sterling was William Sterling's younger brother and Evelyn's uncle.

Genevieve's mother, Margaret, was Charles's mistress and had Genevieve from a previous marriage.

This mother-daughter duo had been living under Charles's roof for years.

Though there was no official marriage between Charles and Margaret, she was essentially his second wife.

But that had nothing to do with Evelyn's family. They had never cared about Charles's personal affairs.

Sterling Corporation had been built from the ground up by William Sterling alone—Charles had no hand in it.

Still, out of familial obligation, William had entrusted Charles with their Charleston operations.

Even after two years of losses, William never held Charles accountable.

He simply considered it the price of keeping the peace.

Charles had brought Genevieve into Sterling Corporation's Charleston branch and installed her as a top executive.

To outsiders, Genevieve was a Sterling.

She used the Sterling name to mingle in high society, but her status was worlds apart from Evelyn's.

Genevieve had always tried to ingratiate herself with Evelyn, but Evelyn couldn’t care less.

She copied Evelyn’s mannerisms, her wardrobe, even her expressions—desperate to pass herself off as a true Sterling.

But the rest of the family knew better.

Who would’ve thought Genevieve would show up at the golf course today?

After dropping Donovan off, Evelyn was about to head back to the office when she got a message from Lucas.

Come home. There’s a show you won’t want to miss.

The cryptic message piqued her curiosity.

If Lucas said it was worth seeing, it had to be entertaining. Without hesitation, Evelyn sped back to Sterling Manor.

William was in the garden with Archibald, examining the flowers.

When Archibald spotted Evelyn, he immediately stood and greeted her.

"Miss, you're back!"

Evelyn smirked, twirling her car keys. "Dad, bored of fishing already? Taking up gardening now?"

William rolled his eyes and jerked his chin toward the house.

Evelyn arched a brow.

Who could possibly make Chairman Sterling flee to the garden?

Just as she was about to step inside, the unwelcome guests emerged.

"Evelyn! Finally! Your sister and I have been waiting forever!"

A woman with a sickly sweet smile stood in the doorway, oozing false warmth.

Evelyn froze when she saw Margaret standing there. Her smile vanished instantly.

Honestly, she had zero interest in entertaining this mother-daughter pair.

Yet they insisted on forcing their way into her life, acting like they belonged.

So this was why William had fled to the garden.

Evelyn scoffed internally. This is my house. Why should we be the ones avoiding them?

She forced a polite smile as she approached Margaret. "Is there an issue with Uncle Charles's company?"

"Oh no, everything’s fine!" Margaret simpered. "We’re family, so I brought your sister to visit!"

She beckoned Genevieve forward.

Genevieve stood there, playing the part of the demure, obedient girl.

"Hi, Evelyn."

Evelyn didn’t respond.

The memory of Genevieve deliberately stumbling in front of Nathan Blackwood at the golf course flashed in her mind.

The way she had batted her lashes, so fake, so pathetic.

Disgusting.

Genevieve wasn’t acting like that now, of course.

Evelyn breezed past them into the house.

A maid immediately rushed over, taking her bag and kneeling to help her change shoes.

Evelyn’s gaze flicked to Lucas, lounging in the living room with a cup of coffee.

"Lucas, why aren’t you at the office? I heard Dominic wants to promote some new engineers."

Lucas gave her a lazy glance. "Can’t a man retire early?"

Evelyn snorted, about to fire back when Margaret cut in.

"Evelyn, I heard you took over the company! Congratulations!"

Evelyn’s lips twitched. "Thanks."

"You’re so impressive!" Genevieve gushed, eyes shining with envy. "Father says I should learn from you!"

Evelyn paused for two beats before replying, "Is that so? Uncle Charles flatters me."

She knew damn well Charles would never praise her.

Margaret hurried to agree. "Yes! That’s why I brought Genevieve—so she can assist you at the company and learn!"

Evelyn stiffened, her frown deepening.

This woman had some nerve.