Chapter 152

At the Windsor Estates, Isabella Sinclair was basking in the glow of attention.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Prescott sped down the winding roads of Havenbrook in her sleek convertible, the night air whipping through her hair.

The stereo blasted her favorite song, and she sang along at the top of her lungs, feeling utterly carefree.

Then her phone buzzed—Nathan Prescott was calling.

"Nathan," she answered, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"Damn, Evelyn, that voice of yours could melt steel. I should record it and make Adrian Lockwood seethe with jealousy!" Nathan laughed, his tone brimming with excitement.

"You're calling me now—does that mean everything's ready?" Evelyn asked.

"Locked and loaded. Sebastian Lockwood is prepped on his end too."

Nathan sounded smug. "Sebastian and I have this under control. You just sit back and enjoy the show."

"I'm on my way to see Mr. Kingsley. I heard Elspeth dragged everyone from the Vanderbilt group to Isabella's birthday bash tonight—except him."

Evelyn sighed. "I know he secretly loves a little chaos, but he keeps it quiet to avoid being a burden. Still, I also know he hates being alone. He's always been so kind to me—it's my turn to keep him company."

Whenever she thought of Mr. Kingsley, Evelyn's expression softened, a pang of sympathy tugging at her heart.

Back when she was still married to Alexander Kingsley, she used to spend hours with Mr. Kingsley—chatting, practicing calligraphy, appraising antiques. She'd sing for him, take seaside walks with him.

One Valentine's Day, New York was buried under the heaviest snowfall in years.

Evelyn trudged through the storm to Mr. Kingsley's mansion, homemade pastries in hand.

She remembered how his eyes widened when he saw her—her cheeks and nose bright red from the cold.

"Evelyn, it's Valentine's Day! Shouldn't you be with Alexander? Why are you here with me?" he'd asked.

Back then, she'd still made excuses for Alexander. She'd forced smiles, masking the loneliness.

"Alexander is a busy CEO. He barely has time to breathe, even on Valentine's Day."

She'd shrugged. "But he did get me a gift. It's the thought that counts."

Evelyn, you're too soft-hearted. You need to toughen up, or Alexander will walk all over you!

When I was young, I was just as stubborn as him. Fiona Vanderbilt would either put me in time-out or pinch my thighs. That's how she straightened me out.

Evelyn had only laughed at his words.

They'd watched the snow together in silence until Mr. Kingsley suddenly asked,

"Evelyn, are you cold?"

"Not at all!"

"Then let's go. Keep me company while I visit Fiona."

His eyes held a depth of longing that mirrored Evelyn's own. "She hated the cold."

—

"Mr. Kingsley! I'm here!"

Just like old times, Evelyn announced her arrival with that bright, ringing voice, filling every corner of the grand living room.

"Evelyn!"

The reply came in a voice just as warm, tinged with childlike delight.

Then Margaret Kingsley appeared, pushing Mr. Kingsley's wheelchair.

"Margaret! You're here too!"

Seeing her, Evelyn's joy doubled. She rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Margaret hugged her back, patting her slender frame with concern. "Evelyn, you're skin and bones! You weren't this thin before. Are you eating properly?"

"I eat like a horse, I swear," Evelyn said with a grin.

Truthfully, she had lost weight lately. Between her hectic schedule and skipped meals, it was no surprise.

"Evelyn, come here—let me look at you properly!" Mr. Kingsley beamed, still calling her by that old nickname.

Evelyn didn't mind. She'd severed all ties with Alexander.

To her, "Evelyn" wasn't a painful reminder of the past. As long as Mr. Kingsley was happy, she was too.

"You look a little pale. Not sleeping well?" She crouched beside his wheelchair, studying him with concern.

"Just my old ailment acting up again. Nothing serious." He patted her head reassuringly, though his pallor was noticeable.

Evelyn immediately went into doctor mode. She took his wrist, checking his pulse with quiet focus.

After a moment, she said firmly, "Starting now, I'm making time every week to treat you. I'll prepare medicine—Mr. Murray will remind you to take it."

"Evelyn, you're the heiress of the Sinclair family now. William adores you. You can't waste your time on me. Alexander mentioned you're managing the Sinclair hotels? You're working too hard. Don't trouble yourself—Mr. Murray is enough."

Though he longed to see her more, he worried about her exhaustion.

Evelyn blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected Alexander to be discussing her with Mr. Kingsley.

He used to ignore her like she was invisible.

Now that they were divorced, suddenly he cared? What was his game?

"So just because I'm William's daughter now, I'm no longer your granddaughter?"

She arched a brow, teasing. "These legs are mine. I go where I want, do what I want. William doesn't get a say. Hmph!"

Her playful antics had Mr. Kingsley and Margaret laughing.

Then her phone buzzed again.

A text from Nathaniel Whitmore flashed on the screen.

Ms. Evelyn, everything's in place. Awaiting your signal.

—

In the banquet hall, the stage was a sea of flowers.

The house lights dimmed as the stage lights brightened.

Alexander Kingsley and Lucas Grant chose that moment to stride in.

Despite their low-key entrance, every head turned.

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Mr. Kingsley actually showed up to Isabella's birthday party? Given how aloof he is, she must really have his favor."

"You think this is just a birthday party?" someone scoffed. "Look—Reginald Vanderbilt, Sophia, Frederic, Elspeth—they're all here. This is clearly an announcement in disguise."

"Ah, so that's why. Smart move coming, then. Any juicy details?"

"Ugh, ignorance is bliss. I'm close to the Vanderbilts. When Alexander got married, it was kept under wraps—no ceremony, no fanfare. His ex-wife stayed invisible for three years. Now he's making a spectacle of his girlfriend's birthday? The wedding will be a circus. If I were his ex, I'd be devastated!"

The gossip twisted Alexander's gut.

He'd never felt guilty toward Evelyn before the divorce.

Now, he felt like the villain in everyone's story—his past mistakes laid bare for judgment.

"Alexander, you okay? You look off," Lucas murmured, nudging him.

"I'm fine," Alexander said tightly, struggling to keep his composure.

In the front row sat Frederic, Reginald, and Sophia Vanderbilt. Their presence screamed engagement party.

Suddenly, the lights twinkled, and celebratory music swelled.

To thunderous applause, Isabella ascended the stage in a custom Maison de Valois gown dripping with diamonds, Elspeth at her side. She bowed gracefully to the crowd.

"Look! That's a Camille Dubois original!" someone gasped.

"Stunning... A million-dollar dress for a birthday? The Vanderbilts really spoil her!"

Isabella soaked in the praise, glowing with triumph.

Her only regret? Alexander wasn't standing beside her.

But nothing could dampen her joy tonight.

She was the undisputed princess of the hour.

"Thank you all for joining me on this special night. Your presence makes it unforgettable."

As she spoke, Elspeth took her hand, gazing at her like a proud mother. "And now, we have an important announcement."

The room fell silent.

Frederic's smile was unreadable, while Reginald and Sophia's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Isabella and Alexander Kingsley will soon be officially engaged!"