Chapter 27

Esme's composure shattered, revealing a brief surge of panic before she replied, "You're just envious!Envious because Cary loves me instead of you! You're driving a wedge between us!"

Quickly adopting the role of a sacrificial hero, she added with a sniffle, "Alright! I'll leave. If my departure will save her, then that's what I'll do."

Cary's lingering doubts evaporated as he watched Esme's performance, his heart swelling with empathy.

"You shouldn't blame yourself, Esme." He reassured her softly,stepping in to protect her. "You won't face this alone."

Within,Esme gloated over her successful manipulation.Even if Evelina harbored suspicions about her role in inciting Margot, it mattered little. Cary's devotion was clear.

Yet,she feigned concern,murmuring softly, "But what will become of Margot? Evelina seems unyielding..."

Cary,fueled by a mix of concern and indignation,confronted Evelina sharply, saying, "Don't you care about how this will affect my grandmother if you continue accusing Margot?"

Evelina remained stoic, she retorted, "If your grandmother knew the truth of Margot's actions,she'd personally escort her to the police. She's no fool-unlike someone here, being manipulated by his mistress."

Fury washed over Cary, his features tightening."What's your angle here? What are you after? Let's talk-everything but marriage is on the table."

Evelina retorted sharply, "Oh, really? I'll take everything you own. Are you prepared to hand that over?"

Cary's temper flared again. "You're pushing your luck,Evelina. I'm trying to remain civil."

With a cold smile, Evelina set her terms. "Tomorrow,8 a.m., the courthouse. Be there or Margot ends up behind bars."

She fixed her gaze directly on Cary. "And don't think of asking Mr. Russell for favors. I was present during each of your eye surgeries. I know who the real Sight Weaver is-and it's definitely not Esme."

Esme replied, desperation in her voice, "You're lying!You're just a housewife, what do you know about any of this?"

But Caleb had already called the restaurant manager.Moments later, Cary and Esme were being escorted out.

Once they had gone, the room fell quiet again. New dishes were served one after the other.

Jasper offered Evelina some of the freshly served food, his voice soft but firm. "You extended them mercy, and they responded with contempt."

Evelina exhaled deeply. "Margot remains Demi's granddaughter,after all..."

She had never truly intended to imprison Margot; her threat was more of a desperate attempt to instill fear.

Yet, she resolved, if the Gibson family targeted her once more, her patience would reach its end.

"Jasper, thought you were the type to strike fear in everyone's heart," Caleb said, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "Shouldn't those jerks have been trembling at your presence? Next time, I'm bringing the bodyguards my cousin insisted on. It would've spared us their irritating presence."

With a composed demeanor, Jasper responded,"Evelina sets her own plays. She signals when she wants my intervention."

Evelina was silently impressed by Jasper's show of respect for her independence, a stark contrast to the notorious reputation that preceded him. Here was a man who understood limits and honored her space.

Caleb, never one to let a moment of banter slip by,asked, "Getting familiar, are we? 'Evelina' now-has she granted you that privilege?"

Jasper met his gaze steadily. "You've been calling me Jasper. Thought I'd level the familiarity."

Interrupting Caleb's comeback, Evelina swiftly stuffed a chicken wing into his mouth. "Focus on your meal."

She then casually turned to Jasper. "Join in, Jasper."

It was evident Jasper didn't make exceptions often.Evelina wasn't about to let this unexpected openness fade.