Chapter 164
"Mr. Sullivan?" Eleanor Kingsley's eyes flickered, her lips curving into a practiced smile.
She discreetly studied the uninvited couple before her.
Madam Zade clung to her husband's arm, her fingertips trembling slightly.
"Mrs. Kingsley," Madam Zade's soft voice carried unexpected weight, "we're here to stop the Kingsleys from adopting Evelyn."
The banquet hall fell silent.
William West straightened from the shadows, amusement glinting in his eyes.
"This..." Eleanor's smile froze, "Evelyn and you..."
"She already calls me mother." Madam Zade's eyes reddened. "If Alexander hadn't forcibly taken her thirteen years ago, she would have been our daughter."
Eleanor whirled toward Alexander Kingsley.
"I did it." Alexander stepped forward, his voice terrifyingly calm. "I hid her in the trunk when I brought her back."
Eleanor gasped.
"Have you lost your mind?" she hissed. "Why bring this up now?"
Alexander's gaze turned glacial. "You must choose between her and me."
Mr. Kingsley's face darkened with rage. "Do you realize what you're saying?"
"Mr. Kingsley." Vincent Sullivan finally spoke. "Evelyn did acknowledge my wife as her mother. She even entrusted us with her birth mother's keepsake."
He produced a gilded booklet from his coat.
"This is the proof—"
"Auntie Zhou!"
Evelyn Sinclair's voice rang out from behind them.
Madam Zade turned eagerly, accidentally knocking the booklet to the floor.
William West narrowed his eyes and retreated into the shadows.
"Evelyn!" Madam Zade seized Evelyn's hands. "You promised to be my daughter!"
Evelyn gently returned the clasp. "Auntie Zhou, I remember everything now."
She turned to Eleanor with apologetic eyes. "Mrs. Kingsley, I'm sorry..."
Eleanor paled. "Evelyn, we can still discuss—"
"Enough." Alexander cut in. "Forced affection bears no sweetness."
Eleanor staggered back before fleeing the hall.
Mr. Kingsley shot his son a venomous glare and hurried after his wife.
...
Isabella Winslow nearly danced with joy upon hearing the news.
"William, this is all thanks to you!" She clung to William West's arm.
William mused, "Do you know what keepsake Evelyn's mother left behind?"
Isabella's fingers stiffened. "N-no idea..."
She forced a smile and changed the subject. "After the Sinclairs fell, the Kingsleys took everything valuable."
William nodded thoughtfully.
...
Moonlight bathed the Sullivan garden.
"That butterfly brooch..." Vincent studied Alexander's sudden pallor. "The one you asked me about years ago?"
Alexander's blood turned to ice.
He remembered Evelyn's swollen eyes, how she'd cradled the brooch with such care.
Not a tantrum—but grief.
The night breeze carried floral whispers.
When Evelyn stepped outside, she found Alexander waiting in the moonlight.
He approached and knelt before her.
A diamond ring glittered like captured starlight.
"Evelyn." His voice roughened. "Will you marry me?"