Chapter 491

The Montgomery estate buzzed with rare excitement as Sebastian, Reginald's eldest grandson, emerged from his research lab to join the family dinner. As the meal progressed, Reginald turned to Sebastian with a curious glint in his eyes. "Sebastian, Leonard wants to introduce you to someone. Would you be interested?"

"Really?" Sebastian's father, the current head of the Montgomery family, nearly choked on his wine. "Who exactly does Leonard wish to introduce? Do we know her?" Victoria Montgomery, Sebastian's mother, leaned forward with thinly veiled suspicion.

Reginald answered without hesitation. "You've all met her before. She's Nathan's ex-wife, Evelyn Hartley."

"What? Evelyn?"

"That's preposterous!"

"How could this happen?"

The dining table erupted in shocked exclamations from Sebastian's parents and younger sister. Yet amidst the chaos, a spark of genuine interest flickered in Sebastian's usually impassive eyes.

Sebastian's father slammed his napkin on the table. "Father! Leonard must be joking, surely? Why would he think to introduce his former daughter-in-law to Sebastian? It's completely—"

"Leonard is deadly serious," Reginald interrupted calmly. "He holds Evelyn in the highest regard." The elderly patriarch paused meaningfully before adding, "He even mentioned that Nathan was a fool to let someone like Evelyn slip through his fingers."

Victoria's manicured nails dug into the tablecloth. "Meet her for what purpose? Sebastian could have any eligible woman in the city! Yes, Evelyn might be beautiful and accomplished, but her background is problematic! An illegitimate child with a failed marriage? She's utterly unsuitable!"

"Exactly! Evelyn would never be worthy of joining our family," Sebastian's sister sneered, tossing her hair over one shoulder.

Then came the bombshell.

"Grandfather," Sebastian's calm voice cut through the tension, "please arrange the meeting with Evelyn at your earliest convenience."

The silverware clattered against fine china as stunned silence gripped the room.

"Sebastian, have you lost your mind?"

"Darling, what nonsense is this?"

Reginald's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. His typically aloof grandson had never shown interest in matchmaking before. "You're serious about this, Sebastian?"

The young scientist nodded once, his expression unreadable. "Absolutely. Please inform Leonard I'm available whenever suits Evelyn's schedule."

"Excellent! I'll call Leonard immediately," Reginald declared, already reaching for his phone.

Victoria's face twisted in frustration. "Sebastian, that woman is—"

"Mother," Sebastian interrupted smoothly, "let's enjoy our meal." His tone left no room for argument.

Victoria slumped back in her chair, her dinner suddenly tasting like ashes.