Chapter 40

A radiant smile lit up Victoria's face. Her enthusiasm seemed exaggerated, almost performative in its intensity.

"Really? Cassandra and Penelope have something incredible to show me? I'm absolutely thrilled!"

She gave Evelyn a polite nod before adding, "Eleanor and I will excuse ourselves now. We'll catch up with you later."

Victoria and Eleanor walked away arm in arm, their laughter trailing behind them.

Evelyn felt an emptiness settle in her chest. The festive atmosphere around her only magnified her isolation as she mechanically sipped her lemon water.

She sat motionless amidst the lively banquet, an outsider observing the celebrations from a distance. The contrast between her stillness and the animated crowd made her presence seem almost intrusive.

Ten minutes later, Victoria returned with Cassandra Blake and Penelope Hart in tow.

"Look Evelyn! Cassandra gifted me this exquisite emerald bracelet!" Victoria's sugary tone couldn't disguise her malicious intent.

Evelyn saw through the charade immediately. This was clearly a setup to humiliate her in front of Liam's sisters.

Choosing diplomacy, Evelyn greeted the women politely instead of acknowledging the bracelet.

Cassandra's critical gaze swept over Evelyn's attire. "You call yourself Liam's wife? That dress is downright embarrassing."

Penelope joined in with a mocking laugh. "With your background, Evelyn, why even bother showing up? You're making a spectacle of yourself."

Victoria feigned kindness. "Now ladies, don't be harsh. I think Evelyn looks lovely tonight."

Cassandra patted Victoria's arm. "Your generosity is wasted on someone like her. Unlike you, I have no patience for social climbers."

Evelyn remained composed, offering a small smile. "If you truly value your blue blood status, perhaps you should consider how causing a scene at your grandmother's birthday reflects on you."

The barb hit its mark. Cassandra and Penelope exchanged uneasy glances.

Victoria quickly changed tactics. "Evelyn, what gift did you bring for Grandmother? I don't see anything with you."

The question struck like a physical blow. Evelyn's eyes flashed with barely contained anger.

Penelope seized the opportunity. "No need to glare, Evelyn. It's not our fault if you came empty-handed. Not that Grandmother would appreciate anything from you anyway."

"Let's go. Her presence is ruining my appetite," Cassandra declared, sweeping away with Penelope following.

Victoria stepped closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Leave now if you know what's good for you. Unless you want a public humiliation you'll never forget."

With that final threat, Victoria strutted away, already victorious in her own mind.

Evelyn's hands clenched into trembling fists. Avoiding direct confrontation was one thing, but Victoria's scheming nature made her unpredictable.

The smart move would be to leave before things escalated further.

As Evelyn reached the grand entrance, she froze. Liam stood just inside the doorway, having arrived late to the celebration.

Their eyes locked across the distance. The surrounding noise faded into silence as tension crackled between them.