Chapter 199

Evelyn carefully arranged the silverware on the dining table before gently persuading Margaret to join them for dinner.

Tears welled up in Margaret's eyes as she confessed, "Look at me. I completely panicked when trouble came knocking. My late husband was such a strict man too. If not for Evelyn's quick thinking, we would've been at those villains' mercy."

Alexander felt a sharp pang of guilt twist in his chest.

If only the Montgomery family hadn't lost Evelyn all those years ago, she wouldn't have needed to develop such survival instincts.

After witnessing Beverly and Walter's outrageous behavior firsthand, he couldn't begin to imagine the hardships Evelyn must have endured growing up with them.

This only strengthened his resolve to deal with Victoria once and for all and bring Evelyn back where she belonged.

As dinner concluded, Alexander, Olivia, and Evelyn huddled together to discuss strategies for handling the demolition situation.

To Alexander, the entire conversation seemed unnecessary - he could have simply delegated the matter to his team with a single phone call.

What the others didn't see were the subtle kicks Olivia kept delivering to his shins beneath the table, forcing him to maintain the charade.

They couldn't risk breaking character now. While they could handle everything discreetly later, they needed to keep up appearances in front of Evelyn.

A sudden yawn escaped Evelyn's lips as exhaustion washed over her.

Lately, sleep seemed to claim her at the most unexpected moments. Though morning sickness hadn't plagued her, her body demanded increasingly longer hours of rest.

Julian noticed her drooping eyelids immediately. "Alexander, Olivia, it's getting late. Let's call it a night. The demolition issue can wait until tomorrow."

The trio departed with minimal farewells.

The moment the elevator doors closed, Alexander declared, "I've already put investigators on the demolition company. There's no way I'll let Evelyn's so-called parents profit from this. She's suffered enough because of them."

Olivia tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Evelyn's current place only has two bedrooms. It's rather cramped. Perhaps we could use this opportunity to get her better accommodations?"

His eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "Exactly! What about that villa I own near her university? It would be perfect."

Julian stroked his jawline skeptically. "Isn't a villa a bit excessive? With so many families involved in this demolition, if Evelyn suddenly receives a mansion, it will raise too many questions."

Alexander exhaled sharply. "Why must we keep hiding our identities? I truly believe Evelyn has accepted us by now."

He owned numerous luxury properties across the city - each one he longed to place in Evelyn's name.

Julian considered this carefully. "Let's settle things with Victoria first. Then we'll make our move."

They couldn't possibly welcome Evelyn back into the Montgomery family with Victoria still lurking in the shadows.

Besides, Julian was certain someone as manipulative as Victoria wouldn't remain part of their family for long.

Meanwhile, Evelyn avoided work entirely, dividing her time between lectures and the university library to steer clear of Beverly and Walter.

With Alexander constantly by her side, the Simmons couple might think twice before showing up unannounced.

All Evelyn needed to do was hold out until Margaret signed the demolition papers. After that, her adoptive parents would lose all leverage.

Jonathan reached out to her later that evening. "Evelyn, things have quieted down at work. You could come back anytime."

"But I'd prefer to wait until after the demolition is settled."

"Evelyn, don't tell me you're planning to quit once you get that compensation money," Jonathan teased lightly.

Evelyn laughed softly. "With all my debts? I'll hardly be rich after this."