Chapter 1861
No.1
"Last time was my fault for not planning properly," he rushed on. "I've arranged everything this time. My mother won't interfere again. I promise—"
"Julian." She cut him off. "I'm married."
Dead silence filled the line.
The call disconnected abruptly seconds later.
Evelyn exhaled slowly. This was better—a clean break rather than lingering attachments.
Her phone vibrated again.
The caller ID gave her pause—Madeline Kingsley.
No.2
"Evelyn dear, are you free for afternoon tea tomorrow?" The elderly woman's voice remained warm as ever.
Evelyn's eyes flickered. The memory of Madeline's hesitant expression last time surfaced.
That secret only Alexander Kingsley and his grandmother knew...
At noon the next day, Evelyn pushed open the private dining room door to find Madeline already waiting.
"Try this butter crab." Madeline eagerly placed a golden piece on Evelyn's plate. "It's quite rare."
Evelyn stared at the rich crab roe, fingertips turning cold.
"I...should have some carbs first."
No.3
A server presented a glistening fried rice topped generously with crab meat and roe.
"Grandmother, my doctor recently..." She forced the words out. "Advised against cold-natured foods."
Madeline's smile faltered momentarily.
During tea time, a plate of longan fruits appeared before Evelyn.
"Good for blood circulation. Eat more." Madeline peeled one herself.
Evelyn pretended to chew before discreetly spitting it out.
"Now try this saffron tea." Madeline pushed forward a cup of crimson liquid. "Excellent for regulating the body."
No.4
Evelyn's fingers trembled. Every offering today contained ingredients forbidden during pregnancy.
"Water is fine." She finally spoke plainly.
Madeline's expression darkened. "You refuse everything. How will you care for your in-laws?"
The unspoken words hung heavy—no wonder she'd ruined her fertility.
Tension thickened the air.
"There's a banquet the day after tomorrow." Madeline abruptly changed topics. "Accompany me."
After a pause, Evelyn nodded.
No.5
Later, Madeline went straight to Kingsley Group headquarters.
"Alexander, I've reconsidered." She beamed while entering his office. "I've arranged your engagement party for the day after tomorrow."
"Your doing?" Alexander Kingsley's brow furrowed slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Just you alone?"
"Of course not," Madeline Kingsley smiled warmly. "Your grandfather was involved too. Your mother knows as well. Now we're just waiting for your approval."
Alexander had no reason to refuse.
His secret marriage to Evelyn Sinclair had been kept from the family—not just at her request, but also due to his grandmother's opposition.
Even if he didn't care, Evelyn would inevitably be affected.
No.6
He didn't want to embarrass her...
"Does Evelyn know?" he pressed.
"A little," the old woman winked mysteriously. "I invited her for tea today and only mentioned a banquet I'd like her to accompany me to the day after tomorrow. It's a surprise. Don't spoil it."
Madeline spoke earnestly.
Alexander called his mother to confirm. Eleanor Kingsley couldn't hide her excitement. "Yes, they planned it without telling us. The invitations are already sent. Make sure you put that ring on Evelyn's finger when the time comes."
Alexander swallowed his words.
Fine.
No.7
They wanted to surprise Evelyn.
And he... wanted to surprise them too.
Dinner was served at the penthouse.
The newly hired chef specialized in prenatal and postnatal meals.
Alexander had never been picky about food, but he noticed Evelyn's tastes seemed to have changed.
He quietly had the chef prepare dishes she used to dislike.