Chapter 9

At that moment, Margaret tugged at Evelyn’s sleeve. "There’s no need to rush. The rest of your brothers and cousins are on their way. You can go home after you’ve met them. After all, home is where your family is, isn’t it?"

Alexander shot Margaret a grateful look. Without her kindness and care, Evelyn’s life would have been far more difficult. Respectfully, he said, "I’ve already booked rooms for us here. Let’s have dinner at the restaurant first."

Evelyn walked beside Margaret as Alexander led the way. She noticed he wasn’t much of a talker—his demeanor was cool and distant. But one thing was clear: he was loaded.

They descended from the hotel’s rooftop. The lobby was opulent, dripping with luxury—nothing like the places Evelyn had ever been before.

Alexander’s chest tightened at the thought of the shabby apartment Evelyn was planning to return to.

She glanced at him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he muttered, rubbing his eye. "Just something in it. Evelyn, would you consider moving somewhere else?" He had already prepared several estates. Only the grandest would do for his sister.

She shook her head. "No, I’m fine where I am. That place holds memories. No mansion could replace it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Alexander swallowed his words. She was right. He was the one who had lost her all those years ago. He hadn’t been there for her—not once.

No wonder she didn’t care about the properties he offered.

Softly, he conceded, "Alright. Whatever you want."

If Evelyn could live there, so could he. He’d stay by her side no matter what.

Maybe he could buy the entire building. Evict the other tenants, station a few maids nearby—just to ensure Evelyn was always taken care of.

Perfect.

As they reached the lobby, Alexander’s phone buzzed. "Evelyn, it’s my wife. You two go ahead to the restaurant. I’ll catch up."

He stepped aside, answering the call. Olivia’s cheerful voice rang through. "Darling, I’ve brought property deeds, my finest pearls, limited-edition bags, and your brothers’ favorite cars. Let’s see what your sister likes."

Alexander sighed. "We might have to hold off on that."

"Why?"

"Evelyn isn’t as easily swayed as I thought. Money doesn’t impress her."

"I told you, Alexander Montgomery. I told you to wait for me, but no—you had to rush ahead. Do you honestly think your bluntness would win her over? You’ve been apart for years! She probably resents you, and your explanations won’t help. You’re just making it worse!"

He rubbed his temples. "What do I do now?"

He’d been too eager. Business had brought him to the city, and he couldn’t wait to see her.

"You’ve already messed up. The only thing left is a pity play."

"A pity play?"

"Figure it out. Just don’t let her know that while she struggled, you and your brothers lived lavishly."

Meanwhile, Evelyn and Margaret made their way to the restaurant.

Margaret hesitated before speaking. "Your brother seems incredibly wealthy. At least you won’t suffer anymore."

"Rich families aren’t that simple, Aunt Margaret. I don’t even know why I was abandoned. This might just be jumping from the frying pan into the fire," Evelyn murmured.

"Hush! A fortune teller once said you’d live a blessed life."

Evelyn looped her arm through Margaret’s. "Since he sent a helicopter for me, he must know about Nathaniel and me."

"No, he doesn’t. I told him you were working part-time in the village. I knew you didn’t want your relationship with Nathaniel public, so I kept it quiet."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. Good.

Suddenly, her adoptive parents, Beverly and Walter Simmons, stormed in, shouting. "You ungrateful wretch, Evelyn Carter!"

"We took you in when no one wanted you! And now that you’ve found your rich family, you’re ready to toss us aside? We saved you!"