Chapter 127

Evelyn Carter furrowed her brows as she flipped through the psychology textbooks. Certain passages sparked a strange sense of recognition, as if she'd encountered them in some forgotten past life. The words seemed to imprint themselves deeper in her mind this time around.

The Blackwood household staff exchanged astonished glances whenever they passed the study. Their whispers carried through the halls like autumn leaves.

"Ms. Carter must have been top of her class. She's devoured at least two hundred psychology volumes in two weeks!"

"I saw her reading by moonlight last night. Do you think she's preparing for the clinical psychology licensure exam?"

"Her concentration is terrifying! She didn't even notice when I dusted around her yesterday. Nearly jumped out of her skin when she finally looked up from those books."

Evelyn remained unaware of the household chatter. What surprised her more was Victoria Dawson's uncharacteristic behavior during her intensive study period.

The woman who'd once been a constant thorn in her side now moved through Blackwood Manor like a perfect angel. Victoria had transformed into the epitome of grace and humility in everyone's eyes.

She massaged Richard and Eleanor's shoulders after dinner. Presented rare medicinal herbs from her family's private reserves. Distributed designer gifts to Liam's siblings with calculated generosity.

Even the staff received her favors - an extra day off here, a designer scarf there. The entire household sang Victoria's praises, a chorus Evelyn could never hope to join.

Rubbing her tired eyes one evening, Evelyn emerged from the study when Winston announced dinner. She descended the grand staircase to find Victoria already arranging silverware with practiced elegance.

"Mr. Blackwood," Victoria cooed as she served Richard an ornate soup bowl, "this is my special truffle-infused wild mushroom consommé. I prepared it myself this afternoon."

Richard accepted it with a pleased nod. "Remarkable! I had no idea our Victoria possessed such culinary talents. Any man would be fortunate to call you his wife."

Eleanor beamed in agreement. "Absolutely perfect wife material!"

Evelyn kept her eyes on her own soup, the steam curling before her face.

Victoria's lips curved in triumph as she turned to Evelyn. "I heard you've been burying yourself in psychology texts. Planning to take the licensing exam?"

Evelyn set down her spoon with deliberate calm. "Since I'm between opportunities, I thought I'd expand my knowledge. Unlike you, Ms. Dawson, I don't have the luxury of scheming to replace Beatrice in the kitchen."

The dining room froze. Beatrice Cook, the head chef, suddenly realized Victoria's constant kitchen "help" had subtly eroded her position over weeks. The entire family now preferred Victoria's dishes to hers.

Eleanor cleared her throat. "Victoria simply enjoys cooking. She's not trying to take anyone's job."

Evelyn flashed a brilliant smile, matching Victoria's saccharine tone. "In that case, Ms. Dawson, I'd love to sample your coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille tomorrow. Surely that's not too much to ask?"

Beatrice nearly choked suppressing her laughter at the request for three notoriously labor-intensive dishes.

Victoria's knuckles whitened around her napkin. The flush creeping up her neck betrayed her struggle to maintain composure.

Before she could respond, Winston's voice carried from the foyer. "Mr. Blackwood! You've returned!"

The family erupted in excitement, chairs scraping as they rushed to greet Liam. Only Evelyn remained seated, methodically finishing her soup.

Her heart fluttered at Liam's return - she'd missed him terribly, even dreaming of him most nights. Yet now, surrounded by the happy chaos, she felt only a quiet melancholy settling in her bones.