Chapter 401

Beatrice's blood ran cold. Mr. Blackwood wanted to ship her off to the Philippines? Compared to her current workload, that would be absolute torture! Would she ever make it back? Had he overheard her phone conversation earlier?

A wave of panic surged through her entire body, making her knees tremble violently.

She knew exactly how smitten Nathan was with Evelyn these days. And Nathan always kept his promises.

With shaking hands, Beatrice dialed Margaret Blackwood, sobbing hysterically into the phone.

Within forty-five minutes, Margaret stormed into Highland Estates like a hurricane.

Coincidentally, she nearly collided with Evelyn in the foyer, who was just heading out for some shopping.

Margaret barged in, her face twisted with fury. Without hesitation, she jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "You scheming witch! You're divorced yet still clinging to my son? We offered reconciliation, but you played hard to get! Now look at you - how low will you stoop?"

Evelyn's gaze turned arctic. Just as expected - Margaret remained utterly despicable.

"Mrs. Blackwood," Evelyn said icily, "I suggest you mind your language. My patience has limits, regardless of your age."

Margaret's face purpled with rage. The audacity! The lack of respect!

She'd grown accustomed to bullying Evelyn in the past. Never had she imagined the mouse would roar back. Now she found herself powerless against Evelyn's retaliation.

What galled Margaret most was that someone like Evelyn dared defy her at all.

Beatrice rushed to Margaret's side, tears streaming. "Madam, Mr. Blackwood wants to exile me to the Philippines! You must intervene!"

Margaret scoffed, patting Beatrice's shoulder. "Don't fret, dear. No one's sending you anywhere while I'm here. You'll stay right where you belong." She shot Evelyn a venomous look. "Even if certain people find your presence... inconvenient."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Was Margaret suffering from persecution complex? Did she honestly believe Evelyn had demanded Beatrice's removal?

But Evelyn couldn't be bothered to explain. She certainly wouldn't waste another second on this bitter old crone.

Adjusting her purse strap, Evelyn turned toward the exit.

Margaret, however, wasn't finished. She blocked Evelyn's path. "Listen here, Evelyn Sinclair—"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I'm warning you—stay away from my son! Do you think we're all blind to your schemes?"

Evelyn laughed coldly. "What schemes would those be?"

"You're trying to poison him! Forcing experimental drugs down his throat! I'm watching your every move!"

"Who exactly are you watching?" Nathan's voice cut through the tension like a blade. Harrison stood grim-faced behind him.

Margaret brightened instantly. "Nathaniel! This woman—"

"I warned you before." Nathan's voice could have frozen hell over. "One more incident like this, and Sophia won't see America for another decade."

Margaret paled. "I'm only protecting you!"

"Save it." Nathan's jaw clenched.

Margaret pointed a shaking finger at Evelyn. "Didn't you hear how she spoke to me? Should I kneel and kiss her feet now?"

Evelyn's laughter dripped with contempt. "Mrs. Blackwood, I've shown remarkable restraint. The days when you could walk all over me are over. Frankly, you should be grateful I haven't retaliated for past... indiscretions."

Margaret vibrated with rage. "How dare you! My son crippled his leg saving you!"

"Yes, your son saved me." Evelyn tilted her head. "But what does that have to do with you? Should I grovel before you? You certainly seem to enjoy flaunting your self-importance."

"Evelyn Sinclair, you—"

"Actually, Mrs. Blackwood..." Evelyn's gaze slid to Beatrice. "Perhaps we'll cancel the Philippines plan. There are far more... creative solutions available."

Her tone carried lethal sweetness.

Beatrice turned ghost-white.

With a final mocking smile, Evelyn strolled past them. "What a delightful way to ruin a perfectly good afternoon."