Chapter 254

Evelyn gasped as the realization hit her.

If Walter and Beverly discovered that Giselle wasn't carrying Edward's child, the fallout would be disastrous.

Yet, the thought brought her a flicker of satisfaction.

She stifled a yawn, exhaustion from the day's events weighing heavily on her.

At the same time, a dull ache pulsed in her stomach.

Julian noticed her discomfort and quickly changed the subject. "Let's eat. The important thing is that Evelyn is home safe."

After all, he had already ensured that Walter and Beverly wouldn’t dare return—his warning had been clear.

Once dinner was over, Evelyn retreated to her room, desperate for rest.

The next morning, she instinctively checked the news, expecting headlines about Nathaniel and Victoria’s engagement.

Given Victoria’s love for attention, Evelyn assumed there would be carefully leaked photos circulating.

But no matter how many times she refreshed the page, there was nothing.

No announcement. No whispers.

It made no sense.

Had Nathaniel insisted on secrecy, just as he had during their own marriage?

It seemed Victoria hadn’t earned the privilege of a public declaration.

Shaking off the thought, Evelyn headed straight to the studio.

As she settled at her desk, Jonathan approached. "Evelyn, we received the final payment for yesterday’s engagement setup. Let’s celebrate with dinner tonight."

Her expression tightened. "They paid so quickly? I suppose the happy couple must have loved my design."

Jonathan lowered his voice. "Between us—keep this quiet. But that engagement? It didn’t happen. It was called off."

"Called off?" Evelyn couldn’t believe it.

"Do you think I’d lie? I stayed in touch with the venue coordinator. They confirmed it—the engagement was canceled."

Evelyn was stunned.

No wonder she had seen Nathaniel at the mall yesterday.

She had assumed the ceremony ended early, but this? This was unexpected.

Hadn’t Victoria used Eleanor’s surgery to force Nathaniel into this?

So why cancel now? What about Eleanor?

Worry twisted in Evelyn’s chest.

"Evelyn, are you okay?"

"It’s nothing," she murmured, shaking her head.

The abrupt cancellation left her reeling. What had changed?

Later that afternoon, Natalie approached. "There’s a man outside asking for you. Claims to be a relative from your hometown."

Evelyn frowned. She had few ties to her past.

Cautiously, she stepped outside—and froze.

A disheveled man lunged forward, grabbing her wrist. "Darling, come home with me."

She jerked back. "Let go! Who the hell are you?"

"I know who you are—Evelyn Carter. Your adoptive parents promised you to me. They took ten thousand dollars. You’re my wife now."