Chapter 85

Abigail was seething with rage, her words catching in her throat. She clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms. "You're still that vile, two-faced snake! Playing the innocent angel around Nathaniel and Grandmother while scheming behind their backs!"

Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile. "So I'm both a saint and a sinner? How fascinating. People see what they deserve to see, Abigail. Maybe you should reflect on your own actions before pointing fingers."

The contrast was striking - Evelyn's delicate features could morph from angelic sweetness to devilish menace in a heartbeat, making those who crossed her pay dearly.

A shiver ran down Abigail's spine. "Monster! You're an absolute monster!"

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "I become whatever you make me. Though I did warn you, didn't I? 'Don't test me' were my exact words. But you just had to push your luck."

Defeat settled over Abigail, but confusion still gnawed at her. "How? I saw Edward bring you to that hotel myself!"

Leaning back with feline grace, Evelyn chuckled. "My mentor taught me one golden rule: Never strike first, but always be prepared when others do. Your sudden shopping invitation reeked of deception from mile away. Did you really think I'd fall for such an obvious trap?" She waved a dismissive hand. "The how isn't important. Some magic tricks lose their charm when explained."

Truthfully, Evelyn had hoped for peaceful coexistence during these three months. Less drama meant fewer headaches. But Sebastian, ever vigilant, had noticed Edward lurking near the Grayson estate for days and put him under surveillance. When Abigail's communications with Edward surfaced, Sebastian alerted Evelyn immediately.

Every move had been anticipated and countered. The decoy who resembled Evelyn? Sebastian's doing from start to finish.

For Margaret's sake, Evelyn had given Abigail every chance to back down. Any moment before the final betrayal could have stopped this disaster.

But Abigail chose to brand Evelyn as some cheap escort. The consequences were hers alone to bear.

"You'll pay for this, Evelyn Whitmore!" Abigail spat. "My brother would never love a deceitful witch like you!"

Evelyn stretched lazily. "Perfect. The feeling's mutual - I've no interest in your emotionally constipated brother either."

"What? You're lying!" Abigail's eyes bulged. "If you don't love him, why marry him? Such hypocrisy!"

"Marry him by choice?" Evelyn snorted. "Your brother might be every socialite's fantasy, but to me? Sure, he's aesthetically pleasing, if you're into human ice sculptures. Half the time I forget he's capable of speech. Honestly, we'd get more conversation from decorating the house with actual statues."

Abigail gaped as if Evelyn had grown a second head. "Y-You dare insult Nathaniel like that? Aren't you afraid he'll divorce you?"

Evelyn clasped her hands in mock prayer. "That would be my dream come true! The day Nathaniel divorces me, I'll throw a charity gala, take a purification bath, and probably skip down the aisle singing hallelujah."

The terrifying part? Abigail could tell Evelyn meant every word.

A woman who didn't worship Nathaniel? Impossible! With his godlike looks, impeccable pedigree, and staggering wealth, how could Evelyn possibly reject him?

Outside the interrogation room door, Nathaniel stood frozen, every word carving deeper into his stony expression. His jaw clenched tight enough to crack walnuts, storm clouds gathering in his piercing gaze.