Chapter 424

The Whitmores lived in an upscale neighborhood, surrounded by luxury brands that painted the illusion of wealth. But it was all a facade. Their reality was far from the extravagant lifestyle they pretended to have.

Gregory had inherited a few properties from his ancestors, but none were in desirable locations. Selling them for quick cash wasn’t an option.

For years, he rented them out, but the income barely covered their basic expenses—certainly not enough to sustain their lavish habits and relentless need to impress others.

Before, they had relied on Cassandra’s acting career to fund their excesses. But now that she was blacklisted, their financial lifeline had been cut. They were burning through what little they had left.

Nathaniel’s engagement gifts were their last hope to maintain their façade. Naturally, they weren’t about to let Evelyn take them back.

Gregory struggled against his youngest daughter’s grip, but no matter how hard he pulled, he couldn’t break free. A man who saw women as beneath him would never tolerate such humiliation.

"You ungrateful brat!" he snarled. "First, you forget about me after marrying into money, and now you dare demand the gifts back? Let me make this clear—they belong to me! Since the dawn of time, engagement gifts go to the bride’s parents, and I decide what happens to them. Now let go!"

Evelyn didn’t release him. Instead, her fingers tightened around his wrist. "Mr. Whitmore, I’ll ask one last time. Are we going to talk privately, or not?"

Gregory gritted his teeth, pain shooting through his arm. He had never imagined Evelyn—whom he’d always dismissed as weak—could be this strong.

"Fine!" he spat. "Let go, and we’ll talk in my study!"

Only then did she release him. A cold smile curved her lips. "Good. Lead the way."

He rubbed his wrist, glaring at her before storming upstairs.

Cassandra panicked. "Dad, don’t listen to her! She’s just trying to manipulate you. The only way to deal with a traitor like her is to throw her out!"

Gregory scowled. He disagreed. No matter how insolent Evelyn was, she was still Nathaniel’s wife. Kicking her out wasn’t the issue—he feared what would happen if she ran back to Nathaniel in tears. He couldn’t afford another beating from Nathaniel’s men.

Victoria, too, was uneasy. What is that girl planning now?

"Gregory—" she began, but he cut her off with a dismissive wave. "Enough! This doesn’t concern either of you. If she wants to talk, let her talk. I want to hear what she has to say."

Neither Cassandra nor Victoria could stop them. They could only watch as Evelyn followed Gregory into the study.

Inside, Gregory sat behind his desk, his expression stern. "Well? Spit it out. What do you want?"

Without waiting for an invitation, Evelyn took a seat. "Mr. Whitmore, let’s be honest with each other."