Chapter 280

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. "I stole your husband?"

Julian nodded, his expression pained. "Yes, you took him from me. When our marriage ended, he admitted he'd never stopped loving his childhood sweetheart."

Rosalind's face contorted in confusion as she instinctively stepped closer to Liam.

Liam adjusted his glasses with a smirk, his dark eyes glinting dangerously. "How long do you plan to stay?"

"Until I find closure from my failed marriage," Evelyn replied calmly.

"Make yourself at home then," Liam commanded.

Victoria exploded, "Uncle Liam, have you lost your mind? She's clearly scheming something!"

Liam's icy glare silenced her immediately.

Evelyn noticed Victoria shrink back in fear.

Pointing at Rosalind, Liam demanded, "And who's this?"

Evelyn squeezed Rosalind's hand. "This is my dear friend Rosalind Baskins. She's fallen on hard times and needs temporary shelter."

Rosalind raised an eyebrow at Evelyn's carefully chosen words.

After introductions, Evelyn guided Rosalind toward the staircase.

Pausing beside Victoria, Evelyn whispered, "I look forward to your... hospitality."

Victoria's lips curled into a venomous smile. "Evelyn, do lambs usually walk willingly into the wolf's den? You could've stayed away."

Evelyn remained composed. "Who's the lamb and who's the wolf? The game hasn't even begun."

With that, Evelyn ascended the grand staircase.

Victoria watched her go, unease coiling in her stomach.

This was undoubtedly Evelyn - same face, same voice. Yet something felt different.

There was a new steel in her spine, an unshakable confidence that hadn't been there before.

Upstairs, Evelyn secured their room.

Meanwhile, Victoria confronted Liam. "Why let them stay? This is obviously a trap!"

Liam smirked. "When prey walks into your territory, you don't turn it away."

Victoria crossed her arms. "She's not as helpless as you think."

"What trouble could two defenseless women possibly cause at Wright Manor?" Liam countered.

Victoria fell silent, deep in thought.

As night fell, Evelyn double-checked all locks before preparing for bed.

After reading for an hour, she turned off the lights.

Just as sleep claimed her, a noise startled her awake.

Her eyes flew open to see a dark figure pinning her down.

A scorching hand clamped over her mouth. The familiar scent made her heart race.

She struggled weakly against the crushing weight.

Heat radiated from the intruder through her thin nightgown.

"Mmm!" Evelyn's muffled cry went unheard.

"Have you lost your mind?" The man's voice burned with fury. "Coming to Wright Manor was your worst mistake."