Chapter 383

Cassandra shot up from the sofa, her face twisted in fury. "Unbelievable! Is Evelyn deliberately making us wait? How dare she keep her own family waiting downstairs? She must be drowning in guilt right now. Fine! I'll drag that little brat down myself!"

She stormed toward the staircase, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Theodore's eyes narrowed, and with a subtle nod, he signaled a nearby servant to intercept her.

The uniformed staff member stepped firmly into Cassandra's path, making her stumble back. "How dare you block me?" she shrieked, eyes blazing with indignation.

The servant stood his ground, unmoving.

Theodore approached with measured steps. "My apologies, Miss Whitmore, but the upper floors are private residence areas. As guests, we must respect the household rules."

Cassandra's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "Guests? Don't you know who I am? I'm supposed to be—"

"Cassandra, must you always make such a scene before breakfast?" Evelyn's voice floated down from the second-floor landing, dripping with amusement.

Cassandra's head snapped up. Her nails dug into her palms as she took in Evelyn's effortless beauty—no makeup, hair slightly tousled, wearing nothing but simple silk pajamas. The sight made her blood boil.

"You!" Cassandra pointed an accusing finger. "That old liar said you were getting dressed! You just rolled out of bed, didn't you? Making us wait like fools!"

Evelyn leaned against the railing, a lazy smile playing on her lips. "I never specified how long 'getting ready' would take."

Cassandra lunged for the stairs again, but Theodore and the servant formed an immovable wall. "Move!" she demanded through clenched teeth. "Do you have any idea who you're dealing with? I'll have you all fired!"

Theodore's polite mask slipped slightly. "Miss Whitmore, while you're indeed family, these are Mr. Grayson's explicit rules. No one ascends without his permission."

"Then explain why she's allowed up there!" Cassandra shrieked, jabbing her finger toward Evelyn.

Theodore sighed. "Because Mrs. Grayson resides here."

Cassandra's entire arm trembled with rage. "She's NOT Mrs. Grayson! I am! That marriage was supposed to be mine, and today I'm taking back what's rightfully—"

Theodore's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"