Chapter 348

Rosalind Fairchild approached Dorothy Simmons and gently helped her up. "Dorothy, she's not Evelyn. The woman they took away is Evelyn. How could you not recognize your own daughter?"

"I refuse to accept a traitor as my daughter!" Dorothy cried out in anguish, tears streaming down her weathered face. Her desperate gaze locked onto Evelyn as she insisted, "She's Evelyn! My flesh and blood!"

Rosalind guided the distraught woman away. "Stop this, Dorothy. That woman isn't your daughter at all. She's the celebrated artist Isabella Grayson - a virtuoso pianist fluent in eight languages."

"She possesses encyclopedic knowledge, particularly in chemistry and military strategy. How could your daughter possibly have such expertise? Face the truth."

Dorothy's resistance crumbled, her heart breaking as she finally accepted reality. As she was led out, she cast one final, lingering look at Evelyn.

The three years of mother-daughter bonds they'd shared would forever remain etched in her memory.

Under the Wright family's direction, guests began dispersing from the venue.

In a quiet corner, Margaret Hoffis sat slumped on a sofa, her face buried in her hands as if carrying the weight of the world.

Evelyn approached slowly with Rosalind Baskins at her side. "Grandmother," she said softly.

Margaret lifted her head slowly. Tears glistened in her eyes, but they weren't for Evelyn - they were for the imposter who'd deceived them all.

A flicker of anger burned in Margaret's gaze as if Evelyn bore responsibility for the entire deception.

Evelyn knelt before her grandmother, resting trembling hands on the older woman's knees. "Grandmother, I'm your true granddaughter. I've never had cosmetic surgery. This is my natural face."

"Look at me carefully. Don't I resemble my childhood photos? Don't I look like Mother?"

Margaret brushed Evelyn's hands away with cold indifference and stood to leave. Rosalind Baskins gaped in disbelief, barely restraining herself from cursing the stubborn old woman.

Evelyn's heart constricted painfully as tears spilled down her cheeks. She stood abruptly, voice catching. "Grandmother..."

She couldn't comprehend Margaret's continued rejection. Rosalind squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "Evelyn, forget her. You're better off without such a grandmother."

Evelyn's breathing grew ragged. Tears streaked her ruined makeup, and every attempt to wipe them away only worsened the mess.

Then a crisp white handkerchief appeared before her. She looked up through blurred vision to see Liam Blackwood. His gentle eyes and soothing voice offered unexpected comfort. "Need help with that?"

Evelyn shook her head, accepting the handkerchief. She dabbed carefully at her ruined makeup.

"Give her time. She'll come around," Liam reassured her.

Evelyn responded with a quiet hum.

"Julian's been arrested. I'll make sure they confess everything about your parents' disappearance. I'll find them - whether they're alive or..." His voice trailed off.

"Thank you, Liam," Evelyn whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

"Come on, I'll drive you home," he offered.

Evelyn started to nod, then hesitated. "No... I need to return to Wright Manor. I have to make Grandmother understand one more time."

Liam's smile faded, the light in his eyes dimming. A shadow of disappointment crossed his features as he asked, "Will you be coming back to Blackwood Manor?"

Evelyn paused before answering softly, "N-No... I won't."