Chapter 276

Evelyn stared at her phone screen for three seconds.

The caller ID showing "Eleanor Kingsley" made her fingers hesitate. At this hour, it could only mean...

"Evelyn, are you free for dinner tonight?" Eleanor's voice carried cautious hope.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. She could conjure a hundred excuses, but refusing Eleanor always felt like swallowing glass.

"Alright," she heard herself say.

Eleanor's relief was palpable, her words instantly brighter. "Perfect. I'll send the car for you after work."

The moment the call ended, Eleanor dialed another number.

"Evelyn's coming for dinner. What about you?" No pleasantries.

Paper rustled in the background. Alexander's voice was ice. "Meeting tonight."

"So you're not coming?" Eleanor chirped. "Good. Saves the staff from cleaning your room."

Alexander: "......"

"Oh," Eleanor added sweetly, "Evelyn and I need some girl time anyway."

The line went dead.

Alexander glared at the darkened screen, brow furrowing.

"Lord Alex," Nathan entered, "tonight's conference—"

"Cancel it." Alexander stood, checking his watch. "Reschedule everything."

He needed time... to prepare.

Living at Kingsbury had made him lax. But facing Evelyn required... effort.

The razor glided over his stubble. The man in the mirror wore a self-deprecating smirk.

Eleanor had spies everywhere. That traitor Ethan probably reported his underwear color daily.

What cosmic debt had he incurred to deserve such a mother?

......

Freshly groomed, Alexander strode into the Kingsley mansion. Eleanor sipped tea, feigning surprise.

"My, my," she trilled, "look who's here."

Alexander ignored her, scanning the empty living room.

No Evelyn.

"I told her not to come," Eleanor mused. "Since you weren't."

Expressionless, Alexander sank onto the sofa and pulled out his phone.

"Why stay?" Eleanor prodded. "This is just a hotel to you."

His grip tightened around the silent device.

Thirty minutes later, an engine purred in the driveway.

Eleanor's eyebrow arched as Alexander's fingers froze mid-scroll.

"Evelyn!" she sang theatrically.

Alexander's head snapped up.

The doorway remained empty.

"False alarm." Eleanor smiled beatifically.

Alexander inhaled sharply. "Mother."

"What?" She blinked innocently. "Can't a mother tease her son?"

"Eleanor," Alexander forced a smile, "enough."

Tears welled in Eleanor's eyes. "You won't even call me 'Mom' anymore? What did I—"

"Mom!" Evelyn's voice cut in from the foyer. "Are you alright?"

She rushed to Eleanor's side, shooting Alexander a reproachful look.

Eleanor clutched Evelyn's hand. "At least someone calls me Mom."

Evelyn patted her arm. "We'll visit more often."

Eleanor's triumphant glance at Alexander spoke volumes.

Alexander: "......"

Fine. Whatever makes you happy.

......

Dinner began late with Patriarch Kingsley's delayed arrival.

Evelyn noticed Madeline's strained smile despite her efforts.

"Eat." Alexander deposited food on Evelyn's plate, frowning at her untouched bird's nest soup. "What do you even consume at work?"

This unleashed Madeline's concern. "We should have meals delivered to you."

"No need, Grandma." Evelyn smiled. "I manage."

Madeline's face stiffened.

Post-dinner, conversation flowed in the parlor.

Patriarch Kingsley praised Evelyn's Winston Strauss interview. "Brilliant questions. Left him speechless."

As Evelyn demurred, Madeline interjected, "But... no inappropriate rumors, I hope?"

The room plunged into silence.