Chapter 403

Evelyn tilted her chin slightly and stepped forward. "Pardon me, you're Adelaide Montgomery, correct?"

Adelaide's eyes widened in surprise.

Her posture immediately became defensive as she glanced between Evelyn and Harrison standing beside her. After a tense moment, she demanded, "How do you know me?"

"Ms. Montgomery, we only know of you through Juliette's mentions. We happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to meet you."

At Juliette's name, Adelaide visibly flinched.

A shadow of discomfort flickered across her face before she asked hesitantly, "Juliette? You know Juliette?"

Evelyn nodded.

Adelaide let out a bitter laugh, her tone turning sharp. "That's impossible. Juliette and I were childhood friends - she never once spoke of you people."

"Tell me the truth! Did that bastard Enrico Delvecchio send you? Well, you can tell him my son belongs to me alone!"

"If you think you can take my child from me, you're delusional! And using Juliette's name? That's the worst cover story I've ever heard. Get out!"

As she spoke, Adelaide grabbed a nearby broom, brandishing it like a weapon.

Evelyn's mouth fell open in shock. "Ms. Montgomery, you've got this all wrong! We don't even know who this Enrico person is-"

Adelaide wasn't listening.

"Save your lies! Tell Enrico if he wants custody, he'll have to go through proper legal channels. I'll see him in court!"

Evelyn looked completely bewildered. What kind of mess had they walked into?

Harrison moved first, positioning himself between Evelyn and Adelaide's swinging broom.

"Ms. Montgomery, please listen. There's been a misunderstanding. We came to discuss Ms. Juliette. As for your custody battle with Mr. Delvecchio... I may be able to assist you."

Adelaide froze mid-swing. She studied Harrison with wary hope. "You... you can help me?"

Harrison nodded. "I can connect you with the top family law attorney in the city."

Adelaide's eyes lit up. "You're serious?"

Harrison gave a firm nod. "But first, you'll need to put down the broom."

The broom clattered to the floor immediately. "My apologies for earlier," Adelaide muttered.

Harrison exhaled and exchanged a glance with Evelyn.

Understanding his cue, Evelyn spoke gently. "Ms. Montgomery, we can help with your legal situation, but we need some information in return."

Adelaide considered this for a long moment before gesturing toward the interior. "Come inside then."

She turned on her heel and disappeared into the house. Evelyn and Harrison shared a look before following.

Adelaide poured tea with shaking hands and cut straight to the point. "What do you want to know?"

Evelyn didn't mince words either. "Ms. Montgomery, you and Juliette were inseparable, weren't you? We need to understand why that friendship ended so abruptly."

Adelaide's entire body went rigid. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Evelyn with new suspicion.

She never discussed personal matters with strangers. The fact that Evelyn knew these intimate details set off every alarm in her mind.