Chapter 181

Evelyn glanced at her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen. She had a sinking feeling that answering would only bring bad news.

The ringing persisted, sharp and relentless.

With a sigh, she finally picked up. "Hello?"

"Evelyn, you ungrateful brat! Why are you ignoring my calls?" Beverly's shrill voice pierced through the line. "I have something urgent to discuss!"

Evelyn's tone was icy. "What is it?"

"Transfer me a hundred thousand dollars. Now."

Evelyn scoffed. "A hundred thousand? You might as well ask me to hand over the moon."

She knew Beverly only reached out when she wanted money. And this time, the demand was outrageous from the start.

"Don’t play dumb with me," Beverly snapped. "Your husband is filthy rich. You control the finances now. With your real family in the picture, you can’t possibly be short on cash."

Evelyn’s grip tightened around her phone. "I don’t have that kind of money."

"You’ve been living comfortably while we struggle. If you don’t send it, I’ll make sure you regret it."

Evelyn’s frown deepened. "What do you even need it for?"

"Your brother Edward is getting married. His fiancée is pregnant. They need the money."

Evelyn’s voice turned colder. "I don’t have it. I’m using Aunt Margaret’s funds to pay for my tuition."

Beverly let out a mocking laugh. "Liar. Didn’t you win a million in that design competition? With Margaret’s money, you’re swimming in cash. Transfer it by tomorrow, or else."

The call ended abruptly.

Evelyn stared at her phone, then blocked Beverly’s number without hesitation. She wasn’t an ATM.

Her hand drifted to her stomach. She needed money too.

Growing up, Edward and his twin had tormented her. His wedding meant nothing to her.

That evening, when Evelyn returned home, she noticed Margaret’s troubled expression.

"Aunt Margaret, did Beverly call you?"

Margaret nodded. "She asked for money, didn’t she?"

Evelyn sighed. "A hundred thousand. Where am I supposed to get that? I’m still paying off my mortgage."

Margaret placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don’t worry. A neighbor from our old place called. Beverly and Walter came looking for us, but I didn’t tell them where we live."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Good. I won’t give them a single cent."

She knew if Walter and Beverly caused trouble, her six brothers wouldn’t hesitate to step in.

For now, they’d stayed quiet—likely afraid of provoking them. In the countryside, a house full of men was an advantage in any fight.

Still, Evelyn remained on edge.

The next day, she went to class as usual.

Elizabeth approached her with a frown. "Evelyn, your adoptive parents contacted the college. They said they couldn’t reach you and need to talk."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. "I don’t want to see them. They’re demanding money for Edward’s wedding. How am I supposed to afford that?"

Elizabeth, aware of Evelyn’s past, didn’t push further.

Throughout her classes, Evelyn’s mind wandered.

What unsettled her most was that Walter and Beverly had found her college—and knew about her previous education.

They were getting closer.