Chapter 126

The clock chimed noon as Evelyn Carter stepped through the wrought-iron gates of Blackwood Manor. She'd deliberately timed her return to avoid running into Victoria Dawson.

Yet fate had other plans. Victoria was waiting in the grand foyer, perched on the antique chaise like a spider in its web.

"Welcome home, Evelyn," Victoria cooed, her saccharine smile not reaching her cold blue eyes.

Evelyn suppressed a shudder at the false warmth in Victoria's voice. She forced a polite nod, acutely aware of Liam's family watching their exchange.

"Evelyn dear, could you join us?" Eleanor Blackwood gestured toward the sitting area.

After exchanging pleasantries with Richard and Cassandra, Evelyn found herself seated between Victoria and the elder Blackwoods. The air hummed with unspoken tension.

Eleanor kept wringing her hands. Richard cleared his throat repeatedly. Cassandra kept biting her lip. Something was clearly wrong.

When Eleanor hesitated for the third time, Evelyn leaned forward. "Is there something you need to tell me?"

Eleanor's strained smile faltered. She nudged Richard. "Perhaps you should explain."

Richard's eyebrows shot up before he turned to Cassandra. "Your sister can explain better."

Cassandra looked like a deer caught in headlights. Watching the Blackwoods' awkward dance, Evelyn's stomach twisted. Were they about to ask for a divorce?

"Just say it," Evelyn said softly, bracing herself. "I can handle the truth."

After an uncomfortable silence, Cassandra finally spoke. "Victoria has been diagnosed with severe clinical depression. Her doctor says it's quite serious."

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll. She'd seen Victoria's "symptoms" firsthand - perfectly timed tears when Liam was around, disappearing when he left.

Cassandra continued, "She's been living with her grandparents, but Margaret travels constantly and Archibald is always at the office. Julian works long hospital shifts..."

Realization dawned. "You want Ms. Dawson to move in here," Evelyn stated flatly.

The relieved nods around the room confirmed her suspicion. Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. This was Victoria's latest scheme to drive her out of Blackwood Manor.

Seeing Evelyn's expression, Eleanor rushed to explain. "Liam's hardly ever home anyway. It won't disrupt your life. Victoria just needs companionship."

Evelyn bit back a bitter laugh. The decision had clearly been made without her. "Do whatever you think is best," she murmured.

Victoria's triumphant smile sent chills down Evelyn's spine. "I knew Evelyn would understand," she purred, flashing a look of pure malice when no one else was watching.

Evelyn's blood boiled, but she kept her composure. She wouldn't give Victoria the satisfaction of seeing her break. Not when Liam remained oblivious to Victoria's manipulations.

That night, Evelyn locked herself in her room and opened her laptop. She ordered every book on psychology, marital conflict, and dealing with toxic people she could find.

For the next fortnight, Evelyn became a scholar of human behavior. She emerged only for meals, her arms always laden with highlighters and notebooks.

While Victoria played the fragile invalid by day and schemed by night, Evelyn studied. She memorized manipulation tactics, learned to recognize gaslighting, and practiced counterarguments.

The battle lines had been drawn. Evelyn Carter wasn't about to surrender her marriage without a fight.