Chapter 498

"I'm not certain how much Donovan offered her or what exactly was said, but eventually, Penelope gave up." Serena's voice took on a peculiar tone as she added, "Though afterward, she muttered something I couldn’t quite grasp."

"What was it?" Evelyn pressed, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Serena frowned, trying to recall. "Something about... considering the consequences before becoming a stepmother. And that Donovan might not be the man I believed him to be. That’s the gist of it, anyway." She shook her head. "I couldn’t remember the exact words."

Evelyn blinked. "C–Consequences?"

"Oh, not for me!" Serena clarified quickly. "She meant you!"

"Me?!" Evelyn’s voice pitched higher in disbelief.

"Exactly! That’s why it was so bizarre. You’ve only met her once. Why would she fixate on you like that? As if you’re scheming to become Oliver’s stepmother." Serena scoffed. "Why on earth would she assume you’d even want to be with Donovan?"

"I have no idea!"

If Serena hadn’t brought it up, Evelyn would’ve nearly forgotten Donovan Blackwood even existed. Their paths had barely crossed, and she certainly had no interest in him.

Besides, after leaving Laurentia, Evelyn had assumed she’d only keep in touch with a handful of people—Serena, Harrison, and a few others she’d grown close to. The rest were irrelevant.

"That’s just weird," Serena muttered.

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "Completely. But then again, she’s clearly not thinking rationally. No sane person would use their own child to blackmail a man who doesn’t love them."

"You’re right about that." Serena sighed, shaking her head. The whole situation was strange, but at least she’d shared it with Evelyn. Besides, she knew Evelyn had a boyfriend. The idea of her and Donovan together was absurd.

"Speaking of which," Serena said, shifting the subject, "how are things with your man?"

The moment Alexander Kensington was mentioned, Evelyn’s thoughts drifted to his recent behavior—gentle, attentive, making sure she was always comfortable. Their relationship was no longer a secret, and the world knew they were together.

"We’re good," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Actually... we’re getting married soon."

"What?!" Serena’s eyes widened with excitement. "Does that mean I get to be your bridesmaid?"

Evelyn laughed. Serena was already planning ahead!

But the mention of bridesmaids made Evelyn’s heart flutter. When she’d first signed the marriage certificate, she hadn’t thought much about the wedding itself. Now, the anticipation bubbled inside her, brighter than ever.