Chapter 57

Before Evelyn could utter a word, Dorothy interjected with sickening sweetness. "You must be Nathaniel. Honestly, Evelyn didn’t even mention she married someone as remarkable as you. This is truly a divine blessing!"

"If Evelyn ever misbehaves or throws a fit, just let me know. I’ll set her straight!"

Beverly chimed in with a saccharine smile. "Exactly. We’re family now, after all. We should support each other."

Nathaniel had already done his research on Evelyn’s past. He knew she was adopted but raised primarily by her aunt. That alone spoke volumes about the kind of people her adoptive parents were.

His gaze turned icy as it settled on Beverly and Dorothy. "What do you want?"

Beverly’s eyes gleamed with greed. "It’s simple. That ungrateful girl won a million dors in a competition and didn’t even think to share it with us."

"Her brother is about to start dating. Who knows when he’ll get married? All he needs is a house, but she refuses to help!"

Evelyn’s patience snapped. "Get out of here. Now!"

She should’ve thrown them out the moment they arrived. Then Nathaniel wouldn’t have had to witness this humiliation.

Beverly straightened, smirking. "This isn’t your house, Evelyn. It’s Nathaniel’s. If he hasn’t told us to leave, who are you to order us around?"

Evelyn clenched her fists, shame burning through her. She couldn’t bring herself to meet Nathaniel’s eyes, terrified of seeing mockery or disgust. Her pride was already hanging by a thread—she couldn’t bear for it to shatter completely before their divorce.

Dorothy and Beverly’s sudden appearance had ruined everything. Evelyn lowered her gaze, silent.

Maybe this was for the best. Nathaniel could tell them about the divorce himself. He could make it clear she had no authority in this household.

Once they realized they wouldn’t get anything from her, they’d leave.

After a tense silence, Nathaniel spoke. "She makes the decisions here."

Evelyn’s head snapped up in shock. His expression was unreadable as always, his dark eyes like a storm she couldn’t decipher. But one thing was certain—there was no scorn in them.

Had he really just said that?

If she hadn’t heard it herself, she would’ve thought she was dreaming.

Dorothy and Beverly exchanged stunned glances.

Recovering quickly, Dorothy pressed on shamelessly. "Since you’ve married such an incredible man who treats you so well, Evelyn, surely you can spare a small property for your brother?"

Beverly’s tone softened, dripping with false sincerity. "Think about how we took you in when you were young. You grew up safe and sound because of us. Look at the life you have now."

"We’re not asking for much—just enough for your brother to buy a home. He’s family. You can’t abandon him."

Evelyn inhaled sharply. "I’ll say this one last time—my money is going toward Uncle Benjamin’s medical bills. I won’t give it to anyone else."

Dorothy turned to Nathaniel, desperation creeping into her voice. "Our family isn’t wealthy, Nathaniel. Could you lend us some money? Just enough for Evelyn’s brother to buy a home?"