Chapter 5

Half an hour later, Evelyn stood before the grand gates of Blenheim Palace, taking in the imposing security and meticulously landscaped gardens. She silently thanked Dominic Laurent for crafting the perfect "impoverished" backstory for the Roland family.

If the Lowells discovered the truth, escaping their grasp wouldn't be so effortless.

Whether those fabricated documents were intentionally leaked by the Rolands as a diversion, she couldn't be bothered to investigate.

Fewer complications were always preferable.

Alexander studied her calm expression and finally exhaled in relief. He quickly grabbed her duffel bag. "Mom and Dad are waiting in the main hall. I—"

Before he could finish, two figures hurried toward them.

Edward Roland looked dignified in his tailored gray suit, exuding quiet authority. Beside him, Sophia Roland radiated timeless elegance, her well-maintained beauty accentuated by understated grace.

Their eyes locked onto Evelyn, instantly glistening with unshed tears.

Sophia pulled her daughter into a crushing embrace, dampening Evelyn's shoulder with her tears. "My Evelyn... I've finally found you..."

Evelyn stiffened.

No one had ever held her like this. Instinct screamed to push away, but the tremors wracking her mother's frame gave her pause.

Her raised hand hesitated before settling awkwardly on Sophia's back, patting once.

"I'm fine," she said flatly.

Sophia only wept harder. Edward steadied his wife, voice thick. "She just got home. Don't overwhelm her."

"Right, of course." Sophia hastily wiped her cheeks, then slid a luminous jade bracelet from her wrist onto Evelyn's. "This belongs to the lady of the house. It's yours now."

From the shadows, Isabella Langley dug her nails into her palms.

That bracelet—coveted for years—handed to this stray without a second thought!

Evelyn caught the venomous glare instantly, her eyes flashing icy for a heartbeat.

"This is Isabella, your sister," Sophia said, linking their hands. "You must look out for each other."

Isabella's eyes reddened on cue. "It's okay if Evelyn doesn't want to call me sister... I'm not really family anyway..."

Here we go.

Evelyn smirked inwardly.

"Don't flatter yourself," she said coolly.

The dining table groaned under lavish dishes. Sophia fluttered around, heaping Evelyn's plate.

Seizing the moment, Isabella piped up, "Evelyn, the university's adult education program is accepting applications if you want to continue your studies—" She gasped theatrically. "Not that your education is lacking!"

Silence fell.

Sophia frowned, but Evelyn set down her fork first.

"Pass."

"Sweetheart, I know you've suffered." Sophia squeezed her hand. "There's no rush. Let your father and brothers take care of you."

Edward opened his mouth, only to shut it under his wife's glare.

Under the table, he nudged his son.

Alexander discreetly shifted his foot—no way was he crossing Mom today.