Chapter 242

Evelyn managed to keep her voice barely above a whisper. "Hello, Alistair. I heard we've met before. Do you remember where?"

At that moment, Alistair turned to face Evelyn, his piercing gaze like winter frost. The practiced smile on Evelyn's lips froze instantly, panic flashing in her widened eyes. This couldn't be happening - wasn't this the supposedly deaf elderly man she'd deliberately chosen to mock Olivia because of his disability? How could she have known this very man was Alistair Kensington of the powerful Kensington family?

Suddenly, everything clicked into place for Evelyn, especially why Alistair had told Donovan he was "impressed" with her. After what she'd done to him, how could he not be?

A cold shiver of terror ran down Evelyn's spine. Donovan remained oblivious to her strange reaction, his attention solely focused on his grandfather. Studying Alistair's expression carefully, Donovan only saw the old man giving Evelyn that same detached, icy stare he reserved for complete strangers.

Seeing Alistair's glacial gaze directed at Evelyn, Donovan assumed his grandfather was having another episode. Sobriety had become increasingly rare for Alistair these days. The unpredictability of his condition weighed heavily on Donovan, his eyes growing moist with unshed tears.

Turning to Evelyn, Donovan explained gently, "My grandfather's memory isn't what it used to be. He gets confused sometimes. But don't worry - perhaps if you visit more often, it might help trigger his memories."

Hearing that Alistair struggled with recollection and occasional disorientation, Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her, easing the tightness in her chest. Simultaneously, a daring idea took root in her mind. Remembering Liam's indifference and Seraphina's public humiliation, Evelyn vowed silently that one day, she would make them pay.

Clutching this new determination like a lifeline, Evelyn quickly regained her composure. She bowed her head, pretending to dab at non-existent tears. "I understand completely, Donovan. Don't worry - even if it's just a misunderstanding, I'm happy to help in any way. It would be wonderful if Alistair could recover his memories soon."

Then, turning to Alistair with practiced compassion softening her voice, Evelyn continued, "We have met before, Alistair. You once told me I reminded you of your granddaughter. I truly hope you get better soon."

Alistair's gaze drifted into the distance, his expression blank. "Granddaughter... Where is my granddaughter?" he murmured absently.

As Evelyn reached to take Alistair's hand, he unexpectedly pulled away and stood abruptly.

"Seraphina is throwing me a birthday celebration, isn't she? Please, take me there. I want to see everything. It's been too long since we had such a gathering," Alistair said to Donovan.

Donovan gently took his grandfather's arm, guiding him toward the grand hall. Evelyn, refusing to be deterred by the awkward moment, followed closely behind. She recognized the rarity of this opportunity - if played correctly, this could be her golden ticket up the social ladder.

While the Hartley family was certainly wealthy, their fortune paled in comparison to the Kensingtons'. For Evelyn, this wasn't just about money - it was about status, about reclaiming the dignity that had been stripped from her.

Her mind raced with possibilities. After settling Alistair at the banquet table, Donovan discreetly positioned two bodyguards nearby to keep watch. Evelyn seized the chance to sit beside Alistair, ignoring how he seemed to look right through her. She was determined to project an image of intimacy with Alistair, hoping to convince others of their fabricated connection.

Donovan observed Evelyn's maneuvering, his brow furrowing slightly. It was then the head butler interjected with a pointed question that hung heavy in the air: "Is Miss Hartley truly a member of the Kensington family?"