Chapter 29

Evelyn stared back in disbelief. "Grace, why would you think that? I've battled my weight since I was a child. If hormones were to blame, wouldn't that mean someone's been manipulating them since I was little? Diana didn't even know I existed back then. How could she be responsible?"

Grace's voice rose, sharp with conviction. "Why not? You reconnected with the Sterlings at seventeen, but that doesn't mean Diana only learned about you then! She could have found out earlier. With her family's power, targeting a child would've been effortless."

Evelyn shook her head, her expression calm but firm. "It wasn't Diana. You're reading too much into this."

The unwavering trust in Evelyn's eyes sent a pang through Grace's chest. "Evelyn, do you truly admire her that much? You defend her so fiercely."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, then spoke earnestly. "I respect Diana because she's genuinely kind—not just to me, but to you too. Even though you don't live at the Sterling estate, you visit often, and she never speaks poorly of you. She simply... ignores you."

She hesitated before continuing. "And she treats me, her husband's illegitimate daughter, with the same indifference. She doesn't embrace me, but she hasn't made my life difficult either. When I first arrived, some maids bullied me. Diana noticed and fired several as a warning. After that, no one dared to cross me again. So no, I don't believe she'd secretly poison me as a child."

Grace's face darkened. Her fingers curled into fists, nails biting into her palms.

"That's exactly what she wants you to see! It's all an act! As the Sterling matriarch, she has to maintain appearances. But behind closed doors? Who knows what she's capable of?" Grace's voice turned brittle. "Evelyn, I never realized you felt so strongly for her. Why not just call her 'Mother' then? Why acknowledge me—the mistress, the disgrace? And if not her, who? Are you accusing me or your grandmother?"

The accusation hung in the air like a blade.

Evelyn flinched as if struck. She stood abruptly, her composure cracking. "Grace! How could you say that? I'm stating facts, not choosing sides. And I've never blamed you or Grandmother. Your words hurt me."

Regret flashed across Grace's face. She reached out, then let her hand fall. "I'm sorry. I let my jealousy cloud my judgment." Her voice wavered. "I envy Diana—she has the life, the title I wanted. And I... I'm just the other woman who dragged you into this mess. Hearing you defend her made me irrational. Can you forgive me?"