Chapter 237

"I heard you're the new CEO of Kingsley Industries. That's quite remarkable. Your uncle's company had massive layoffs recently, leaving him unemployed. Perhaps you could—"

Evelyn remained silent, her expression unreadable.

But Beatrice saw nothing inappropriate about her request. "Your uncle was only a department manager before. Surely finding him a position at Kingsley Industries wouldn't be difficult for someone in your position."

Margaret overheard the exchange and frowned at her daughter's audacity.

Undeterred by the growing tension, Beatrice pressed on. "We're family after all. Surely you can pull some strings to get him a decent position?"

Evelyn's response was cutting. "What nonsense are you speaking? He's still part of the Sterling family. With Sterling Enterprises' resources, finding employment shouldn't be an issue. Our family business may be modest, but we can certainly accommodate such... talent."

Her words struck like a whip.

Beatrice's face darkened immediately. Evelyn had hit a raw nerve—the implication that she was limited by her husband's failures within Sterling Enterprises.

"Evelyn, must you be so difficult? It was a simple favor. No wonder Nathan left you," Beatrice snapped back.

"That's enough, Beatrice! Hold your tongue before you embarrass yourself further," Margaret reprimanded sharply. Clearly, she'd been too lenient with her daughter.

"But Mother! I was merely asking for family assistance," Beatrice protested bitterly.

"Have you no shame?" Margaret's icy tone silenced Beatrice, who stormed away in frustration.

Realizing the scene her daughter had caused, Margaret turned to Evelyn with an apologetic smile. "Pay no mind to her foolishness."

Evelyn shook her head. "It's nothing, Grandmother." To her, Beatrice's words were like the yapping of an insignificant dog—unworthy of attention.

"Grandmother, I brought you a gift. May it bring you health and happiness."

As Evelyn presented the gift, Nathan intercepted it, revealing an exquisite emerald necklace.

"Your taste has improved," he remarked, examining the jewelry.

"Marginally better than before," Evelyn replied, her words laced with double meaning.

Margaret intervened gracefully. "Your presence is gift enough, Evelyn."

"Please accept it, Grandmother. It's the least I can do after your kindness during my three years here."

Margaret nodded and clasped Evelyn's hand warmly. "You've always been thoughtful."

Meanwhile, Beatrice seethed nearby. As a senior family member, she deserved respect, yet Evelyn had publicly humiliated her. The rejection burned, but given Evelyn's current status, Beatrice could only fume impotently.

Rosalind appeared silently at her side.

"Must you hover? I want to be alone!" Beatrice snapped.

Unfazed, Rosalind turned her gaze toward the lively gathering in the hall's center where Evelyn stood surrounded by admirers.

The contrast to Evelyn's former status in the Sterling household was stark. In the past, no one would have acknowledged her as Nathan's wife.