Chapter 65

Evelyn Sinclair made no attempt to hide her motives.

Under normal circumstances, she would never deliberately withhold someone else's treasured possession without cause.

But the Blackwoods were different.

She despised them with every fiber of her being and took vicious satisfaction in disrupting their peace.

That was precisely why she had purchased the emerald pipe—to torment them.

She admitted it openly, seeing no reason to pretend civility in front of them.

"Mrs. Blackwood, I'm not some naive, forgiving saint. I return the energy I'm given."

Her voice was ice.

"Do you remember how your family treated me? Did you really think I'd forget?"

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

"Do I look like the type to turn the other cheek?"

Sophia Blackwood trembled with barely contained fury, her words choking in her throat.

Evelyn's blunt confession infuriated her more than any denial could have.

Margaret Blackwood shot Sophia a warning glare, forcing her to bite back her rage.

Taking a shaky breath, Sophia forced her voice into a pitiful whimper, widening her eyes in feigned innocence.

"Evelyn, I was young and foolish back then. You're so much better than me—please, just forgive me."

Her lips quivered.

"I'll do anything to make it right. Just return Grandfather's pipe. This is all my fault—Mother's been confined, and I've been punished too."

She sniffled dramatically.

"If you're still angry, you can slap me. Twice. However many times you need."

Evelyn merely smirked, watching Sophia's performance with cold amusement.

For a moment, Sophia faltered, her mask slipping before she stiffened again.

Evelyn's gaze was razor-sharp, dissecting her like a specimen.

What a pathetic little viper.

When Evelyn remained unmoved, Margaret cleared her throat, barely concealing his irritation.

"Evelyn, I know we've wronged you. Sophia came here today to apologize sincerely."

His tone was strained.

"Name your terms."

Evelyn scoffed.

Apology? More like emotional blackmail.

Her expression remained impassive.

"I don't accept your apology. And the pipe stays with me."

Margaret's composure cracked, his face darkening.

"Evelyn," he growled, "what exactly do you want?"

Finally losing his patience?

She tilted her head.

"Nothing. If we're done here, I have places to be."

Exhaustion crept in—dealing with them was draining.

Margaret's eyes turned glacial.

"Don't say I didn't give you a chance."

Evelyn arched a brow.

"Oh? What are you planning?"

With deliberate slowness, Margaret pulled out his phone.

"Tell me—does William Sterling know his son is involved with a divorcee?"

A venomous smile curled his lips.

"I still have some influence with him. Do you really think he'll let you keep your position once he finds out?"

The threat hung thick in the air.

Evelyn paused—then laughed.

She extended her hand in a mocking gesture.

"Go ahead."

He really thinks this will scare me?

William Sterling is my father.

Margaret's expression darkened further.

Seeing her defiance, he dialed the number.

Sophia watched with smug anticipation, as if awaiting Evelyn's downfall.

The line connected after three rings.

"Margaret Blackwood," came William Sterling's relaxed voice. "To what do I owe this unexpected call?"

Margaret forced a chuckle.

"William, I heard you were vacationing in Europe. You sound well."

"I was. The Mediterranean is lovely this time of year."

A pause.

"Unless this is urgent, I’m in the middle of fishing."

Evelyn smirked.

Of course Dad wouldn’t waste time on them.

Margaret cut straight to the point.

"William, are you aware your son is entangled with a divorcee?"

A beat of silence.

Then—

"Really? I hadn’t noticed."