Chapter 16

The young woman standing before Evelyn was Penelope Whitmore, Nathaniel's cousin.

Evelyn simply disregarded Penelope's snide remarks. For years, Penelope had looked down on Evelyn with undisguised contempt.

Her constant insinuations suggested Evelyn only married the critically ill Nathaniel for his family's wealth.

In the past, Evelyn had endured Penelope's mockery silently. But now that the divorce papers were signed,

she no longer needed to tolerate such behavior.

Penelope strutted over with exaggerated arrogance, snapping, "Why are you just standing there? Go to the kitchen immediately and prepare my favorite lobster bisque."

Evelyn averted her gaze, responding coolly, "Eleanor invited me as a dinner guest, not as household staff."

"How dare you speak to me like that, Evelyn? I'll tell Aunt Beatrice about this insolence!"

Ignoring Penelope's outburst, Evelyn entered the living room where two unexpected figures sat waiting.

One was her former mother-in-law Beatrice, the other Nathaniel's childhood sweetheart Victoria Sinclair.

She hadn't anticipated Victoria's presence at tonight's gathering.

Penelope barged in, deliberately bumping into Evelyn before announcing loudly, "Aunt Beatrice! Evelyn refused to cook for us! She claims Grandmother invited her as a guest!"

Beatrice's expression darkened immediately. "Evelyn, as my daughter-in-law, how could you refuse such a simple request? What value do you bring to this family?"

"You should consider it an honor we allow you to cook for us," she added with a sneer.

"Please don't upset yourself, Mrs. Whitmore," Victoria interjected smoothly. "Your health is more important."

Beatrice sighed dramatically. "Victoria, you're everything Evelyn isn't - cultured, educated abroad, from good stock. You'd make the perfect daughter-in-law."

Victoria's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she murmured, "We must make allowances for her... circumstances."

"Circumstances? She's an orphan who overstepped her station!" Beatrice scoffed. "My son deserves better than some social climber."

Evelyn absorbed their words calmly. These were familiar refrains from the past three years.

But she wasn't that helpless orphan anymore. She had six extraordinarily successful brothers now.

Meeting Beatrice's gaze directly, Evelyn remarked, "Interesting. Are you suggesting Nathaniel needs a wealthy wife to succeed?"

"How dare you! My son is brilliant - he doesn't need any woman's help!" Beatrice spluttered.

"Then why emphasize marrying someone of equal status?" Evelyn countered smoothly.

Beatrice gaped, momentarily speechless. Since when had Evelyn developed such sharp wit?

Turning to a nearby maid, Evelyn inquired, "Where's Eleanor?"

The maid started slightly before answering, "Mrs. Whitmore Senior is resting in her chambers. She hasn't woken yet."

Evelyn frowned. "Has she been unwell recently?"

Penelope interjected smugly, "Look at Victoria's gifts - imported supplements and that diamond bracelet. What did you bring? Nothing, as usual."

Victoria pretended modesty. "They're just simple tokens, really."

"Simple for people like us," Penelope sneered. "But beyond Evelyn's means, which explains why she trapped Nathaniel."

Beatrice nodded approvingly. Evelyn's humble origins had made her the laughingstock of their social circle for years.

Evelyn chuckled dryly. "Eleanor values sincerity over material displays. She's never cared for such superficiality."

To the maid she said, "I'll prepare Eleanor's favorite herbal soup."

"The mistress hasn't had much appetite lately, but she always enjoys your cooking," the maid admitted.

Evelyn retreated to the kitchen, relieved to escape the toxic atmosphere. Of all the Whitmores, only Eleanor had shown her genuine kindness.

Alone with her thoughts, Evelyn prepared the restorative broth with meticulous care. She still needed to break the news of her divorce to the only family member who'd ever treated her with respect.