Chapter 423

Beatrice Thornton's attitude toward Evelyn had undergone a dramatic shift. She was now excessively polite, almost fawning in her attempts to please the younger woman.

Evelyn suddenly realized Isabella Sinclair's animosity wasn't just about social status - it stemmed from her complicated history with Liam Blackwood.

The grand dining table at Blackwood Manor overflowed with exquisite dishes and fine wine. Every Morrison family member except Donovan had gathered for Eleanor Blackwood's birthday celebration.

"Cassandra, I've come to understand how insensitive I might have been toward you before," Beatrice said with uncharacteristic humility. "I sincerely hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Evelyn offered a polite smile. "There's nothing to forgive, Beatrice."

Isabella raised her wine glass with deliberate slowness, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "How interesting that we're celebrating Mother Eleanor's birthday with an outsider at our family table. Tell me, Ms. Wright, what exactly is your connection to this gathering?"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Evelyn fixed Isabella with a piercing stare.

"As far as I'm aware," Isabella continued, swirling her wine, "your so-called marriage to Liam was never legally binding. You're neither his wife nor his girlfriend. So I'm genuinely curious - what gives you the right to be here?"

Sebastian Blackwood discreetly kicked his wife under the table.

Isabella whirled on him. "What was that for?"

Sebastian immediately shrank back, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Eleanor and Richard exchanged uneasy glances, caught between maintaining peace and defending their guest.

The other family members - Cassandra Blake, Penelope Hart, Maxwell Blackwood, and Gregory Lynch - remained conspicuously silent, content to watch the drama unfold.

"Don't be ridiculous, Isabella," Beatrice interjected. "She's Cassandra Wright."

Isabella crossed her arms, her posture radiating icy disdain. "That changes nothing. This is a family gathering. Blood only."

Liam's expression darkened as he fixed his sister-in-law with a glacial stare. "Legalities aside, she is and always will be my wife. If you have issues, address them to me."

Beatrice snorted into her wine glass. "She's just bitter you didn't choose her instead. Some things never change."

Isabella's face went pale with rage.

Sebastian slammed his fist on the table. "Aunt Beatrice! Mind your tongue unless you want consequences."

"Oh, I'm trembling," Beatrice mocked. "Perhaps you should ask your wife why she's so obsessed with Liam's romantic life. It's rather pathetic, don't you think?"

Both Sebastian and Isabella fell into stony silence.

Eleanor forced a smile, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Please, let's not argue. It's my birthday, and I'd prefer we enjoy this meal in peace."

Beatrice pointed an accusing finger at Isabella. "She started it! From the moment Cassandra arrived, she's been nothing but hostile. Clearly still carrying a torch for Liam after all these years."

"You're delusional!" Isabella shot to her feet, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.

Sebastian sat rigid with suppressed anger, his knuckles white around his wine glass.

Evelyn, feeling responsible for the discord, quietly presented Eleanor with her gift. "Happy birthday. I should go."

The elderly couple looked genuinely distressed by the unfolding scene.