Chapter 76

The phone call continued on speaker mode. The officer's voice crackled through. "Evelyn Whitmore, your wallet and phone were stolen. The thief even used your identity to book a hotel room. Please come to the station immediately to verify the items and report any losses."

Evelyn responded politely. "Understood. Thank you, officer."

"You're welcome," the officer replied before ending the call.

Evelyn turned to Abigail with a pointed look. "That's it? Since when is losing something a scandal? Care to explain why you thought the police were after me?"

Abigail froze, her mind blank. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The police were supposed to arrest her, not return her lost belongings!

"Oh, Evelyn! I’m so relieved you're safe!" Margaret pressed a hand to her chest, exhaling in relief. Then she shot her granddaughter a sharp glare. "Abigail, what is wrong with you? Stop spreading baseless rumors!"

Abigail clenched her fists, refusing to back down. "Grandma, I’m not lying! Lucas even confirmed Evelyn checked into that hotel today! The woman in the news was her! Why else would she be wearing the same outfit as that escort?"

It was true—Evelyn’s clothes matched the woman’s exactly. Yet she remained unshaken. "My outfit isn’t exclusive. Coincidences happen. But why are you so determined to paint me as an escort?"

Abigail scoffed. "Coincidence? The hotel has your name on record, and you’re dressed identically to that woman. How many ‘coincidences’ do you expect me to believe?"

Evelyn shrugged. "The officer already explained—someone stole my ID and booked the room. I lost my things after shopping with you. When I couldn’t find you, I came back alone."

Abigail smirked. "Nice try, Evelyn. But I’m not buying it."

That flimsy excuse might fool Margaret, but not her. She saw Nathaniel taking Evelyn to that hotel. Things didn’t add up.

Evelyn tilted her head. "You seem awfully sure I was there. Did you see me at the hotel? Were you there too?"

Abigail stiffened. "W-Why would I be there? I wasn’t!"

She had seen it, but admitting that would expose her scheme.

Margaret stepped between them, sighing. "Evelyn, forgive Abigail. She’s always been hot-headed and reckless with her words. I’ll discipline her properly."

Evelyn was her favorite granddaughter-in-law, and Abigail her beloved granddaughter. Seeing them clash pained her.

Disappointed, Margaret swatted Abigail’s arm. "You were wrong. Apologize."

Abigail gritted her teeth. Things hadn’t gone as planned, and now she was being forced to back down. With no proof, she muttered, "Fine. I was wrong."

Evelyn gave her a cool glance. "Sorry. I don’t accept."

Abigail’s temper flared. "Evelyn Whitmore, I apologized. What more do you want?"

"Abigail!" Margaret snapped. "Mind your tone!"

"She’s not my sister-in-law!" Abigail shot back. "I refuse to acknowledge some country girl as family! She’s just a gold-digger who tricked Nathaniel into marriage!"

"How dare you!" Margaret raised her hand, but couldn’t bring herself to strike her.

Abigail, emboldened, sneered. "It’s the truth! She’s nothing but a scheming—"

Margaret trembled with fury. "You—!"

Worried for her health, Evelyn stepped in, rubbing Margaret’s back soothingly. "Grandma, don’t upset yourself. I’ll let it go—but I won’t forgive her."