Chapter 111

"Your father and I have everything under control. Go attend to your guests." Eleanor Kingsley was more anxious than her son, her eyes darting toward the entrance.

"Hurry along!" Patriarch Kingsley waved him off impatiently.

Alexander Kingsley strode down the corridor toward the banquet hall.

Guests had already begun arriving. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the sea of elegant gowns and clinking champagne flutes.

His gaze swept the crowd—then froze on a flash of white silk.

The same designer gown he'd chosen for Evelyn Sinclair at Karl's Boutique in the capital.

Alexander's pulse quickened, his lips curving unconsciously.

But after two steps, he halted.

That silhouette... wasn't hers.

The woman in white stood beside Madam Winslow. When she turned, the warmth in Alexander's eyes iced over.

"Alex?" Isabella Winslow called out eagerly, stepping forward.

He'd already turned away without a word.

That dress on her was a desecration of its pristine beauty.

"How dare he snub us like this?" Madam Winslow trembled with rage.

Before Isabella could respond, a ripple of excitement spread through the ballroom.

Every head turned toward the entrance—

Where a figure in crimson fire cut through the crowd.

Alexander found himself moving toward that blaze of color before conscious thought.

Evelyn Sinclair glided forward in a crimson mermaid gown, a rose in full bloom. Raven hair cascaded over alabaster skin as she led little Sophie by the hand, each step resonating through the hushed room.

"Who is she?"

"I've never seen her before..."

"Absolutely breathtaking..."

Whispers trailed in their wake.

At past events, Evelyn had always worn white, blending into the background like another decorative vase. The Kingsleys never acknowledged their ward publicly, keeping the Sinclair sisters' existence quiet.

Tonight marked her debut as Evelyn Sinclair—holding Sophie's hand proudly before high society.

The younger girl wore a red tulle dress with a ribbon headband. Her cheeks glowed with rare color after long hospital stays, bright eyes mirroring her sister's—a miniature Evelyn.

Alexander stared at the radiant pair, momentarily transfixed.

His approach toward Evelyn drew more curious glances.

"You made it," he murmured, his voice softening as he looked down at Sophie. "Feeling alright tonight, princess?"

"I'm great!" Sophie beamed up at him. "Thank you, Lord Alex."

The polite response tugged at something in his chest. Perhaps he'd been too harsh on the child before.

"Grandfather's waiting for you both." He straightened, gesturing for them to follow.

Evelyn gave a slight nod, guiding Sophie forward.

Alexander's hand twitched—an aborted motion to offer his arm. He wasn't sure she'd welcome the gesture, nor was public affection his custom.

In the birthday reception room, the Yearwoods were presenting their gifts. William Yearwood and Alexander's father chatted like old friends, the corporate warfare of four years past forgotten.

"Evelyn's here!" Patriarch Kingsley spotted them immediately, his face lighting up. "And my little Sophie! Come let Grandfather see you!"

Sophie approached with her carefully wrapped gift, murmuring birthday wishes. The old man swept her onto his lap, chuckling with delight.

"Don't squeeze the poor child to death, you old fool," Madeline Kingsley scolded affectionately before turning to Evelyn. "That color suits you beautifully, dear. You should wear bold hues more often."

Evelyn smiled faintly, missing the subtext.

Patriarch Kingsley leaned in with Sophie. "My future granddaughter-in-law could wear a potato sack and outshine everyone!"

The words dropped like a stone into still water, sending visible shockwaves through the room...