Chapter 148

"That's absolutely correct. I heard your daughter-in-law has launched an avant-garde boutique with exclusive designs. The place is constantly packed with customers."

"Mrs. Blackwell, since we're such close friends, why don't you arrange a private shopping experience at her store for us?"

Eleanor Blackwell listened silently as the socialites gushed about Evelyn Carter's accomplishments. Her expression darkened visibly.

She had always believed Evelyn was just some orphan from the sticks. That misconception had led her to treat the girl terribly, even forcing her to...

Now that Evelyn's true identity as a Kingsley heiress had been revealed, Eleanor was drowning in regret.

If only she'd shown Evelyn basic kindness, she wouldn't be suffering this humiliation now.

"Cat got your tongue, Mrs. Blackwell? Can you make this happen? I'll bring my entire book club - we'd love to support your daughter-in-law's business."

Eleanor cleared her throat awkwardly. "I prefer not to interfere with the younger generation's affairs."

"Oh come now, Mrs. Blackwell. This is your daughter-in-law we're talking about. Surely she'd jump at your request."

"Unless... you have no influence over her at all? How embarrassing would that be?"

The veiled challenge struck Eleanor's pride like a slap.

As someone who valued her social standing, she knew offending these women would make her a pariah in their circles.

With forced cheerfulness, Eleanor responded, "Don't be ridiculous. Of course Evelyn listens to me. Shopping trip? Consider it done."

"Mrs. Blackwell, I've heard your daughter-in-law does exquisite custom designs. Could she create something special for me?"

"Absolutely," Eleanor declared confidently. "I'll have her personally handle your order."

"You're so wonderful, Mrs. Blackwell. You must have the most loving relationship with your daughter-in-law."

The question made Eleanor squirm internally.

She'd spent years badmouthing Evelyn to these very women, calling her unworthy of Nathan and the Blackwell name.

With Evelyn absent, Eleanor lied shamelessly: "Of course! Evelyn and I have always been close. I've treated her like my own flesh and blood."

Overhearing this from the next room, Olivia Sinclair nearly choked. "The audacity! After everything she's done to you."

"Now that she knows who you really are, she's singing a different tune. Doesn't she fear divine retribution?"

Evelyn felt equal disgust. "Treated me like her own? What a joke!" she thought bitterly.

All those years of enduring Eleanor's cruelty, making endless compromises for Nathan's sake - only to be constantly belittled and used.

Those days were over.

"Mrs. Blackwell, you treat me like a daughter? That's news to me."

Evelyn's sudden appearance froze the conversation mid-flow, leaving Eleanor gaping like a fish out of water. Being caught in such an obvious lie was mortifying.

She studied Evelyn - the same face, yet radiating an entirely new aura.

Where Eleanor had once dominated effortlessly, she now found herself instinctively shrinking under Evelyn's commanding presence. The power dynamic had shifted irrevocably.