Chapter 68: Ridiculous Agreement
Evelyn’s initial shock morphed into confusion as she studied the woman’s face more closely. No, this wasn’t Katherine from Zevian’s wedding photos.
The woman standing before her in a knee-length floral dress was familiar, but not in a way she could immediately place. Her striking burgundy hair and petite frame nagged at Evelyn’s memory.
A frown pulled at Evelyn’s lips as she observed how her husband gently coaxed the woman to sit, his hand lingering on her arm as he asked the maids for water. Their closeness was palpable, and Evelyn’s stomach twisted.
"Who is she?" Evelyn whispered to Avery, who stood beside her, sharing in her surprise.
"That’s Catherine Mallor," Avery replied quietly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "She’s a pianist from Qubarc and one of Dominic’s closest friends. She’s been around Zevian and Kiana for years."
Evelyn let out a frustrated huff, her brow furrowing. "You could’ve been more specific, Avy. I thought you were talking about Katherine Grey."
Avery frowned, her voice lowering further. "Sorry, I was just shocked to see her here. But seriously, Evy, how could a dead woman return? We’re not living in some fantasy novel."
Relief briefly washed over Evelyn, but the tension in her chest refused to ease. With everything she had been through recently, nothing seemed impossible anymore. Her eyes narrowed again at how Catherine leaned into Zevian, crying softly.
"And she’s also very close to your husband," Avery added with a touch of awkwardness, clearly sensing Evelyn’s growing dismay. "She helped him with Kiana while he was alone in Qubarc all these years."
Evelyn forced a tight smile, nodding as though the information didn’t bother her. While she appreciated that someone had been there for Zevian, Catherine’s clinginess was getting under her skin. Couldn’t she just sit a little farther away? Evelyn thought, biting back her irritation.
"Let’s go greet her," Avery said brightly, pulling Evelyn along. Before they could move, Kiana, whom Agatha had just brought downstairs, lit up at the sight of Catherine.