Chapter 1788

No.1

"How dare he snub us like this?" Madam Winslow trembled with rage.

Before Isabella could respond, a ripple of excitement spread through the ballroom.

Every head turned toward the entrance—

Where a figure in crimson fire cut through the crowd.

Alexander found himself moving toward that blaze of color before conscious thought.

Evelyn Sinclair glided forward in a crimson mermaid gown, a rose in full bloom. Raven hair cascaded over alabaster skin as she led little Sophie by the hand, each step resonating through the hushed room.

"Who is she?"

"I've never seen her before..."

No.2

"Absolutely breathtaking..."

Whispers trailed in their wake.

At past events, Evelyn had always worn white, blending into the background like another decorative vase. The Kingsleys never acknowledged their ward publicly, keeping the Sinclair sisters' existence quiet.

Tonight marked her debut as Evelyn Sinclair—holding Sophie's hand proudly before high society.

The younger girl wore a red tulle dress with a ribbon headband. Her cheeks glowed with rare color after long hospital stays, bright eyes mirroring her sister's—a miniature Evelyn.

Alexander stared at the radiant pair, momentarily transfixed.

His approach toward Evelyn drew more curious glances.

"You made it," he murmured, his voice softening as he looked down at Sophie. "Feeling alright tonight, princess?"

No.3

"I'm great!" Sophie beamed up at him. "Thank you, Lord Alex."

The polite response tugged at something in his chest. Perhaps he'd been too harsh on the child before.

"Grandfather's waiting for you both." He straightened, gesturing for them to follow.

Evelyn gave a slight nod, guiding Sophie forward.

Alexander's hand twitched—an aborted motion to offer his arm. He wasn't sure she'd welcome the gesture, nor was public affection his custom.

In the birthday reception room, the Yearwoods were presenting their gifts. William Yearwood and Alexander's father chatted like old friends, the corporate warfare of four years past forgotten.

"Evelyn's here!" Patriarch Kingsley spotted them immediately, his face lighting up. "And my little Sophie! Come let Grandfather see you!"

Sophie approached with her carefully wrapped gift, murmuring birthday wishes. The old man swept her onto his lap, chuckling with delight.

No.4

"Don't squeeze the poor child to death, you old fool," Madeline Kingsley scolded affectionately before turning to Evelyn. "That color suits you beautifully, dear. You should wear bold hues more often."

Evelyn smiled faintly, missing the subtext.

Patriarch Kingsley leaned in with Sophie. "My future granddaughter-in-law could wear a potato sack and outshine everyone!"

The words dropped like a stone into still water, sending visible shockwaves through the room...

Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley gazed at Evelyn Sinclair with tender affection, nodding approvingly at Patriarch Kingsley's words.

William Yearwood and his wife exchanged startled glances.

The Kingsleys still valued Evelyn this much?

Julian Ashford's frown deepened, his expression darkening like a brewing storm.

No.5

Alexander Kingsley's eyes briefly flickered toward Evelyn's profile...

Evelyn kept her lashes lowered, neither confirming nor denying, as if detached from the situation.

"Old man, that's not how it's done," Madeline Kingsley suddenly interjected. "Since when do you propose on someone else's behalf? Have you even asked Evelyn if she's willing?"

"Always meddling!" Patriarch Kingsley huffed before turning directly to Evelyn. "Well, Evelyn? Will you?"

Madeline cut in sharply, "This should be Alexander's question to ask! Stop stealing his moment."

"Oh!" The patriarch slapped his forehead with a hearty laugh. "Silly me. Alexander, come here. It's your turn now."

He remembered perfectly—Alexander had promised to propose during the birthday banquet.

The spectacle didn't matter. Bringing her home as his bride did.

No.6

"Grandfather..." Evelyn finally murmured, "Everyone's watching..."

"See how you've embarrassed the poor girl," Madeline chided, nudging her husband. "Not everyone has your thick skin."

"Fine, fine," the patriarch conceded cheerfully. "I'm just overjoyed. Once Evelyn gives us a chubby great-grandson, you'll be even more impatient than me!"

Madeline scoffed, "If we get a great-grandchild, of course I'll be thrilled. But your mouth today—utterly shameless."

She took Evelyn's hand gently. "Evelyn, to me, you've always been a granddaughter. No one wishes for your happiness more than I do."

Evelyn nodded obediently. "I understand your kindness, Grandmother."

She missed the fleeting complexity in Madeline's eyes.

The banquet proceeded smoothly.

No.7

Amidst the crowd, Patriarch Kingsley delivered his heartfelt speech.

Beyond scheduled performances, the emcee organized a raffle and charity auction, with proceeds funding rare disease treatments for children in remote areas.