Chapter 427

"You should live comfortably as a wealthy man's wife and leave the past behind. I made a promise to your mother—that I wouldn't let her enemies find you. That way, her soul can rest in peace," Gregory said.

Evelyn froze.

Her father had never shown her affection before. Maybe he still cares for my mother, she thought.

A faint smile touched her lips. "Thank you for telling me. I'll live well and protect myself. Goodbye, Mister Whitmore."

She turned and walked out, her steps unhurried.

Gregory frowned, exhaling heavily. Evelyn had survived to twenty—he'd kept his promise to Vivian. Whatever happened next wasn't his concern. She had chosen her own path.

Downstairs, burly men carried out engagement gifts from the Whitmore mansion.

"Stop! Who do you think you are? Those are mine! Put them down!" Cassandra shrieked.

"That's right! You can't take them! I'm calling the police!" Victoria threatened.

Evelyn descended the stairs, calm. "I told them to take the gifts."

Cassandra's eyes burned with fury. "You witch! What gives you the right?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "Every right. These were given to me by my husband. Isn't that reason enough?"

Cassandra's hands clenched. "First, you steal Nathaniel, now this? I swear, Evelyn, I'll end you!"

She lunged, but Victoria yanked her back. "Cassandra, think!"

Gregory stormed downstairs, irritation sharp in his voice. "What now? Can't I have a moment's peace?"

After a pause, he sighed. "One more thing."

Evelyn waited.

"Your mother loved art. She painted under the name Vivian Sterling."

"I know."

"Her teacher was Raphael Devereaux. If you find him, he might tell you more."

Evelyn nodded. "Understood. Thank you, Mister Whitmore."

She turned to leave.

"Evelyn."

She glanced back. "Yes?"

Gregory studied her—so much like Vivian. His first love's child. Part of him wanted to cherish her. The other part recoiled, remembering she wasn't his.

His voice hardened. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Stop searching for your mother."

"Why?"

"I don't know what happened, but she made me swear—if anyone discovers you're her daughter, they'll kill you."