Chapter 124
No.1
As for potential schemes...
She feared nothing anymore.
"Sophie, I'm going to see Madeline Kingsley. Will you be alright alone?" Evelyn instructed firmly, "Don't open the door for anyone but me. Call immediately if needed—just redial the first number."
"Got it." Sophie nodded obediently. "Not even for Lord Alex."
Hardship had forged wisdom in this innocent child.
After settling her sister, Evelyn headed to the banquet hall.
Oppressive tension greeted her upon entry.
No.2
Madeline reclined on a chaise, complexion normal but expression conflicted. Patriarch Kingsley gripped her hand, eyes wary and confused. The Kingsley parents flanked them while Alexander stood behind, face icy.
Unexpectedly, both the Ashford and Winslow families were present.
Julian Ashford gave her a subtle nod, his parents appearing bewildered. The Winslows barely concealed their smugness, shooting her venomous looks.
At the room's center stood a trembling figure—Mrs. Wilson.
The former Royal Gardens housekeeper Alexander had dismissed now appeared at the birthday gala.
"Now that everyone's here," Madeline said heavily, "speak."
"Wait." Alexander's voice cut like frost. "Family matters require privacy."
No.3
"No!" The usually meek Mrs. Wilson defied him. "Young Master Ashford is involved."
Madeline overruled, "No outsiders remain. Proceed."
Earlier, during Madeline's fainting spell, Isabella and her mother had caused a scene, disrupting Alexander's near-proposal.
Mrs. Wilson had been secretly admitted earlier by Madeline herself. Weeping over her unjust dismissal, she'd claimed knowledge affecting the Kingsley legacy—and implicating the Ashfords.
"Madame, I served the Kingsleys faithfully for eight years..." Mrs. Wilson sobbed dramatically.
"By stealing from us?" Alexander scoffed.
The Royal Gardens theft case had been resolved. Her presence here reeked of conspiracy.
No.4
"Lord Alex, I admit to greed, but that's separate from Miss Sinclair's misdeeds!" Mrs. Wilson suddenly straightened. "Who in this household lacks selfish motives? You punished me only because I exposed her secret—"
"What secret?" Madeline demanded.
Mrs. Wilson turned to Evelyn, vindictive triumph flashing in her eyes.
"Miss Sinclair's illicit affair with Young Master Ashford led to..."
"Silence!"
Two sharp reprimands exploded simultaneously in the banquet hall.
Alexander Kingsley and Julian Ashford had both snapped at Mrs. Wilson in unison.
No.5
The housekeeper trembled under their glare.
Alexander's expression darkened dangerously while Julian's eyes burned with fury.
The entire room froze under the suffocating tension.
Mrs. Wilson shrank back like a frightened mouse.
Madam Winslow chuckled lightly. "Why stop now? Cliffhangers are so cruel..."
Mrs. Wilson glanced pleadingly at Madeline Kingsley.
The elderly matriarch closed her eyes briefly in silent permission.
No.6
Emboldened, Mrs. Wilson straightened under the twin daggers of their stares. "I despise Miss Sinclair because she's barren!"
She pointed accusingly at Evelyn. "She betrayed Lord Alex with Julian, got pregnant, then aborted the baby and ruined her womb!"
......
Deafening silence engulfed the hall.
Only the Winslows remained unfazed.
Evelyn stood motionless, as if detached from the scandal.
Everyone else gaped in shock.
No.7
Julian looked utterly bewildered.
William Yearwood and his wife nearly popped their eyes out.
Mr. Kingsley's jaw dropped while Eleanor gasped audibly. Patriarch Kingsley clutched his chest, trembling.
Tears trickled down Madeline's wrinkled face.
She'd known this painful truth long ago - the very reason she'd turned against the girl she'd raised.
The Kingsley bloodline must continue...
"Lies!" Julian roared. "Evelyn and I have never—"