Chapter 179

The phone rang three times before Evelyn Sinclair finally answered.

"Julian..."

"Evelyn!" Julian Ashford's voice carried urgency. "Where are you? I'll come get you right now."

Her grip tightened around the phone.

"Last time was my fault for not planning properly," he rushed on. "I've arranged everything this time. My mother won't interfere again. I promise—"

"Julian." She cut him off. "I'm married."

Dead silence filled the line.

The call disconnected abruptly seconds later.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. This was better—a clean break rather than lingering attachments.

Her phone vibrated again.

The caller ID gave her pause—Madeline Kingsley.

"Evelyn dear, are you free for afternoon tea tomorrow?" The elderly woman's voice remained warm as ever.

Evelyn's eyes flickered. The memory of Madeline's hesitant expression last time surfaced.

That secret only Alexander Kingsley and his grandmother knew...

At noon the next day, Evelyn pushed open the private dining room door to find Madeline already waiting.

"Try this butter crab." Madeline eagerly placed a golden piece on Evelyn's plate. "It's quite rare."

Evelyn stared at the rich crab roe, fingertips turning cold.

"I...should have some carbs first."

A server presented a glistening fried rice topped generously with crab meat and roe.

"Grandmother, my doctor recently..." She forced the words out. "Advised against cold-natured foods."

Madeline's smile faltered momentarily.

During tea time, a plate of longan fruits appeared before Evelyn.

"Good for blood circulation. Eat more." Madeline peeled one herself.

Evelyn pretended to chew before discreetly spitting it out.

"Now try this saffron tea." Madeline pushed forward a cup of crimson liquid. "Excellent for regulating the body."

Evelyn's fingers trembled. Every offering today contained ingredients forbidden during pregnancy.

"Water is fine." She finally spoke plainly.

Madeline's expression darkened. "You refuse everything. How will you care for your in-laws?"

The unspoken words hung heavy—no wonder she'd ruined her fertility.

Tension thickened the air.

"There's a banquet the day after tomorrow." Madeline abruptly changed topics. "Accompany me."

After a pause, Evelyn nodded.

Later, Madeline went straight to Kingsley Group headquarters.

"Alexander, I've reconsidered." She beamed while entering his office. "I've arranged your engagement party for the day after tomorrow."