Chapter 49: Spiking Drinks
Evelyn stood in front of the Wright mansion, shivering slightly as the chilly night air wrapped around her. She never imagined she’d return here after her marriage contract with Zevian was set, yet here she was, with just one call from her father.
"Why are you standing out here?" Elias’s voice cut through her thoughts as he descended the mansion’s grand staircase. He quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulders, guiding her inside. "Let’s go. It’s freezing tonight."
Inside, Evelyn was greeted by the sight of a beautifully decorated mansion. The chandelier lights had been changed, casting a bright, warm glow that made the entire hall feel almost festive. So, it was all a trap to win favors. She thought with a light scoff.
"Oh, you’ve arrived," Sophia greeted them as she approached, dressed in a casual yet elegant party gown. Her warm smile made Evelyn’s skin crawl, the rage to expose her soon growing within her.
Annabelle joined her mother, attempting to hug Evelyn, but Evelyn quickly stepped back. Seeing her rudeness toward his sweet daughter, William scowled but kept his expression neutral. He needed to hold back his venom until the job was done.
"How are you?" Evelyn asked, her eyes fixed on William as he approached them. Darah expressed concern that Sophia had strictly prohibited anyone from getting too close to him. She was also managing all his medications, a gesture that outsiders called her deep love for William, but Evelyn knew better.
"Better," William replied, his voice low. He hesitated, but feeling Sophia’s gaze on him, he added, "And how are you?"
Evelyn blinked, taken aback by the concern in his voice. It had been months since he had spoken to her directly, let alone with any emotion. Struggling to keep her feelings in check, she nodded. "I’m fine."
The awkwardness between them was palpable, even to the Wright household staff who observed from a distance. Some of them quietly hoped this was a first step toward mending their broken relationship, longing for the days when William and Evelyn, though distant, still cared for each other before Sophia’s arrival.
"Shall we move to the dining room?" Sophia suggested, breaking the silence. Elias eagerly helped his sister reclaim the chair beside him, excited to share dinner tales with her again.
"It would have been lovely if Zevian were here too," Annabelle commented sitting beside William, in the chair that once belonged to Gracia, Evelyn’s late mother. Evelyn hadn’t dared to sit there, but this con artist occupied it without hesitation.