Chapter 287

Beatrice's voice cut through the phone like a whip. "You'll find time, Evelyn. I've handpicked this match for you. Don't disappoint me."

Evelyn's question came out in a hopeful whisper. "Is his fortune comparable to Liam's?"

A derisive chuckle escaped Beatrice. "Be realistic, darling. Liam chose you out of genuine affection. Our family may be wealthy, but we don't move in the highest circles. This man may not be as rich as Liam Blackwood, but he's respectable. Marrying him will elevate your status. It's the best you can hope for."

The disappointment weighed heavy in Evelyn's chest.

Noticing her daughter's silence, Beatrice scoffed. "What? Not good enough for you? Fine, reject my arrangement then. But remember - if you stay with Liam, you're choosing poverty. The Winslow family is about to disown him over his mother's death. No criminal charges, but not a penny of inheritance either. You'll become the laughingstock of Crestwood."

Evelyn clenched her phone tighter. Her mother's words stung with truth. "Fine," she conceded. "Invite him to the gala. I'll introduce him to society."

"That's my girl," Beatrice purred. "I'll have him there within the hour."

The call ended, leaving Evelyn unsettled. If only she'd been born a Kensington, with their limitless wealth and power. Then she could have any man she desired.

Moments later, her phone chimed with the suitor's profile. When she read "Westhaven nobility" in his bio, her eyes lit up with sudden interest.

The realization struck her like lightning - the Kensingtons built their empire in Westhaven. Their headquarters stood there. No matter how powerful the family was, they'd think twice before crossing a Westhaven noble if they wanted to maintain their comfortable lifestyle there.

A new confidence straightened Evelyn's spine.

Across town, the Winslow household buzzed with similar tension.

Richard and Victor were preoccupied with finalizing Liam's expulsion from the family, leaving Catherine as the sole representative at the Kensington gala welcoming Olivia.

Truth be told, Catherine would rather be anywhere else.

News of Olivia Sinclair's acceptance into the prestigious Kensington family had spread through Crestwood like wildfire.

Catherine had initially refused to believe it. The girl who was supposed to be as miserable as Liam? The one Victor claimed to have captured? Not only had she returned unscathed, but as the long-lost heiress to a fortune?

Remembering her past actions against Olivia, Catherine's palms grew damp. Would the girl seek revenge? The uncertainty gnawed at her as her manicured nails bit into her palms.

The evening's main attraction made her grand entrance soon after.

When Olivia appeared in her exquisite gown, every eye in the ballroom turned toward her.