Chapter 190

Evelyn's sharp words left Beverly and Walter speechless.

Across the room, Beatrice's pride took a direct hit. "It's 100 thousand dors, isn't it? I can write the check, but on one condition—you stay away from my son. He's engaged to a woman from the Sinclair family now. A perfect match."

With a flick of her wrist, she scribbled the amount and tossed the check onto the floor.

Beverly scrambled to pick it up, greed flashing in her eyes. "How generous of you. And you're absolutely right about Evelyn—just an orphan with no connections. Ungrateful, too. Good riddance she's divorced."

Beatrice smirked, disdain dripping from her gaze. "Take the money and get out of my sight."

Afraid it might disappear, Beverly shoved the check into her purse.

Without another word, she turned and left, not even sparing Evelyn a backward glance.

Evelyn inhaled deeply. "I'll pay you back."

Supporting her adoptive parents had never been her responsibility. And Beatrice covering the cost? That wasn't part of the plan either.

Beatrice scoffed. "Don't bother. That amount is pocket change to me. Frankly, it's worth it to be rid of the headache."

She crossed her arms. "You could never repay me anyway. Do I need to remind you of your salary? Just keep your family in check. Stay out of our lives. We move in different worlds now."

Evelyn pulled out her phone and transferred the money to Nathaniel. Then she met Beatrice's gaze. "It's done. You won't hear from me again."

"Why do you still have my son's contact?" Beatrice demanded. "What are you scheming? The divorce is final. There's no reason for you to stay connected."

Under her ex-mother-in-law's scrutiny, Evelyn deleted Nathaniel's number. "Satisfied?"

"Much better." Beatrice's lips curled. "The Sinclairs will be at the engagement party this weekend. That's the kind of family my son deserves."

She tilted her head. "Know your place. Don't aim for men out of your league. Someone like that famous actor, for instance—keep dreaming."

A mocking smile played on Evelyn's lips. "If I could marry Nathaniel, who's to say I can't land someone even better?"

The air turned thick with tension.

"Mr. Whitmore, you're back," Abigail announced loudly.

Evelyn's spine stiffened. She glanced over her shoulder—Nathaniel stood there, his dark eyes unreadable.

Her fingers curled into fists. Showing weakness now was the last thing she wanted.

Beatrice brightened. "Nathaniel, darling. You heard Evelyn, didn't you? Marrying someone better? The audacity. It's almost laughable."

Nathaniel strode into the room, his expression blank. But the way he loosened his tie betrayed his irritation.

Beatrice pressed on. "Evelyn's adoptive parents made a scene. They claimed she ran this household—handled the finances! Can you imagine? The lies she fed them!"

Nathaniel's response was flat. "I did say that."

Evelyn froze. Shock rendered her speechless.

She refused to believe those words had come from him.