Chapter 189

Evelyn Carter stared at her phone screen, blinking in disbelief at the caller ID—Nathaniel Whitmore.

Her fingers hovered over the answer button as she muttered, "Why is he calling me? Did he misdial?"

The relentless ringing forced her to pick up. "What do you want, Mr. Whitmore?" she snapped.

His voice was ice. "Your adoptive parents showed up at the villa, demanding money from me."

Humiliation burned through her veins. "Kick them out. Don’t give them a cent."

"I don’t have time for this. Handle it yourself," he said coldly before the line went dead.

After gathering her things, Evelyn hailed a cab to the villa.

Standing before the grand gates, memories rushed back. She hadn’t stepped foot here since she left.

Her finger hesitated over the doorbell before pressing it.

Even before the door opened, raised voices spilled into the foyer.

Her adoptive parents weren’t alone—Beatrice Harrington’s shrill tone cut through the chaos.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Why is she here?

She nearly turned to leave when Abigail Wilkins swung the door open with a tight smile. "Mrs. Whitmore! You’re back! Come in."

Suppressing her unease, Evelyn stepped inside and whispered, "What’s she doing here?"

Abigail sighed. "No idea. But this just got complicated."

Evelyn knew if the door hadn’t opened so fast, she would’ve fled.

The moment she entered the living room, all eyes locked onto her.

Beverly Simmons smirked. "Evelyn, so nice of you to finally show up."

She jabbed a finger toward Beatrice. "Tell your mother-in-law who’s in charge here! Your husband claims you make the decisions, but she seems to disagree."

Beatrice trembled with rage. "Answer me, Evelyn Carter! Who controls my son’s money? Who do you think you are?"

She had come to redecorate for Nathaniel’s second marriage—never expecting Beverly and Walter’s sudden appearance.

Evelyn exhaled sharply before meeting Beatrice’s glare. "There’s something you should know. Nathaniel and I are divorced."

Beverly’s face darkened. "What?"

"Evelyn Carter, how could you keep this from us?" Walter demanded. "Why divorce a man like him? Have you lost your mind?"

Beatrice sneered. "Let me remind you—someone like Evelyn was never fit for my son. Especially with those disgraceful parents. I’m relieved they divorced. It would’ve ruined our reputation."

Evelyn, already familiar with Beatrice’s cruelty, turned away, pretending not to hear.

She glanced at her adoptive parents. "Did you hear that? I was thrown out because I didn’t belong. I haven’t lived here in months. Stop coming here—you’re disturbing people."

Beverly scoffed. "Even if you’re divorced, he must’ve given you money. Hand it over!"

Walter nodded. "That’s how it works in dramas. You got assets. Give us the cash, and we’ll leave."

Evelyn’s lips thinned. "Sorry to disappoint, but I left with nothing. I only married him because I was shameless back then. We had a prenup—I get zero after divorce. So give up."