Chapter 314

"Shall we go to the lounge area?" Monica Chen asked solicitously, linking arms with Chloe Cui.

Chloe gently pulled away. "Don't mind me. Mrs. Kingsley is here—this is your chance."

"The Kingsleys?" Monica gave a self-deprecating laugh. "What socialite in Kingsbury could ever land Alexander Kingsley?"

She shot Chloe a meaningful glance. "Not everyone has your luck stumbling upon Julian Ashford."

Though the Ashfords weren't as prominent as the Kingsleys, Julian was still considered one of the city's most eligible bachelors.

Catching the bitterness in her tone, Chloe smirked. "Even the best men have their... obstacles."

She spat out the word through clenched teeth: "Women."

The image of Evelyn Sinclair in that lavender dress haunted her.

"What man doesn't have admirers?" Monica shrugged. "Alexander probably has more than most. Julian's practically a saint by comparison."

"Let's go greet Mrs. Kingsley." Chloe dragged Monica forward, though her chest felt like it was weighed down by stones.

......

"I'll have you know I'm still angry," Madeline Kingsley said sternly. "Since when do elders apologize to their juniors?"

"Mother, we're here to relax," Eleanor Kingsley coaxed gently.

"Relax?" The old woman snorted. "Don't think I don't know Evelyn's coming. My sources are excellent!"

Her voice grew sharper. "Neglecting her own husband's illness to meddle in other families' affairs. If that's the case, why agree to marry into the Kingsleys at all?"

Eleanor sighed inwardly.

As expected, the matriarch had her own intelligence network.

It had taken Eleanor considerable effort to uncover Evelyn's involvement with the Sullivans—the very reason she'd brought Madeline to this banquet.

Despite multiple dinner invitations, Evelyn had politely declined each one. Clearly, she had no intention of reconciling with her grandmother.

Meanwhile, Madeline's pride wouldn't allow her to admit fault. She'd been throwing daily tantrums, driving Patriarch Kingsley to escape through fishing trips.

Eleanor had hoped a public setting might bridge the rift between grandmother and granddaughter.

"Mother, you mustn't reveal Evelyn's identity," Eleanor stressed again.

"Understood!" Madeline replied tartly. "Is being a Kingsley daughter-in-law so shameful?"

"Mother..."

Eleanor regretted the entire plan.

"Madeline! Eleanor!" The Sullivans greeted them warmly.

Both women immediately spotted Evelyn standing arm-in-arm with Madam Zade.

"Our congratulations." Eleanor presented a gift, studying Vincent Sullivan. "Your son is the very image of you both."

Madam Zade laughed. "He inherited all our worst traits, I'm afraid."

Eleanor covered a smile. "Biological mothers always say that. My own son might as well be roasted pork."

"You're too kind!" Madam Zade chuckled.

"And this is...?" Eleanor pretended not to recognize Evelyn.

"Miss Sinclair, our family's savior." Madam Zade introduced eagerly. "We owe our son's return to her."

As Eleanor prepared to compliment Evelyn, Madeline let out a derisive sniff.

Eleanor discreetly nudged her mother-in-law before turning to Evelyn. "Miss Sinclair, how lovely to meet you."

Her tone held playful warmth.

Evelyn caught the cue and nodded slightly. "Mrs. Kingsley."

"This is the family matriarch," Eleanor indicated.

Evelyn's smile cooled. "Madeline."

The blatant contrast made the old woman's expression darken further. Had Eleanor not been gripping her arm, she would have stormed off.

The group moved into the ballroom, soon surrounded by fawning guests.

Gradually, Madeline's mood improved as socialites vied for her attention. Seeing her finally smile, Eleanor relaxed slightly.

The truth was clear—the rift between Evelyn and Madeline couldn't be mended. Pushing further might damage Eleanor's own relationship with Evelyn.

Wisely, Eleanor maintained distance, exchanging only occasional words with Evelyn while circulating among guests.

Every socialite present understood the unspoken rules.

Eleanor Kingsley was an impenetrable fortress—attempts to flatter her were futile.

But Madeline? A determined charmer could always win the old woman's favor.