Chapter 47

The whispers had never truly died down. Among their social circle, speculation still lingered—did Cassandra Whitmore have a hand in Gregory Thornton's first wife's mysterious death? Though no proof ever surfaced, the rumors had left a stain that time couldn't erase.

Ethan Caldwell had shared all of this with Evelyn Hartley.

When Dylan Reeves heard Evelyn's words, his expression twisted. His forced smile barely masked his discomfort as he asked, "What exactly are you insinuating, Ms. Hartley?"

Evelyn's lips curled into a smirk, laced with quiet mockery. "Just a friendly observation, Mr. Reeves. Isn't it fascinating how your mother climbed from mistress to wife? When she was pregnant with you, she was nothing more than your father's dirty little secret. So, if we're being honest, the line between you and an 'illegitimate child' is paper-thin. Maybe you should take a long look in the mirror before judging others."

Her voice turned icy as she continued, "No one chooses how they're born."

"Does anyone want to be labeled illegitimate? As a grown man, shouldn't you know better than to fling such petty insults?" With that, Evelyn pushed back her chair and stood.

She looked down at Dylan, her tone cool and detached. "Forgive me, Mr. Reeves, but I have no appetite for dining with someone who lacks basic decency."

Dylan's face darkened as Evelyn gathered her things and strode out.

Seated in her car, Evelyn exhaled sharply, a bitter laugh escaping her. The irony was almost amusing—Dylan, of all people, acting morally superior when his own mother's past was anything but pristine.

A sudden craving hit her. Without another thought, she drove straight to The Velvet Fork, famed for their honey-glazed pork ribs.

As she stepped out of her car, a familiar voice called out. "Evelyn."

Turning, she saw Diana Prescott emerging from a sleek black Bentley, her smile warm but calculated. Evelyn returned the greeting with a polite nod.

Diana approached, linking their arms as if they were old friends. "Dining alone?"

"Yes," Evelyn replied, keeping her tone neutral.

"Why not join us? Victor and Lila are already inside," Diana offered, already guiding her toward the entrance.

Evelyn hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Fine."

Following Diana into the private dining room, Evelyn met the stunned gazes of Victor Sterling and Lila Sinclair.

Lila's smile was bright but sharp. "Mother, Evelyn—what a surprise. How did you two end up together?"