Chapter 87
Evelyn Sinclair remained at Stellus for three consecutive days.
Sleep became a luxury as she obsessed over recreating the perfect emerald bracelet – an exact duplicate of the one Archibald Blackwood had gifted her. When exhaustion overwhelmed her, she’d collapse onto the workshop couch for brief naps. Upon waking, she’d force down a few bites of food before returning to her meticulous work.
During daylight hours, her brothers attended to their respective duties. Yet each evening, they declined all social engagements to dine with their sister at the estate.
Nathan Whitmore and his brothers had prepared an elaborate feast that night, featuring all of Evelyn’s favorite dishes. Still, she merely pushed food around her plate, resting her chin gloomily in one hand.
The Whitmore men exchanged worried glances. Though concerned about Evelyn’s state, their knowledge of jewelry craftsmanship was nonexistent. How could they possibly help?
“Ms. Evelyn.” Donovan Fowler’s voice snapped Evelyn from her thoughts. She turned wearily to see the elderly man placing an ornate jewelry box before her.
“What’s this, Uncle Donovan?”
“Open it and see for yourself.”
Evelyn’s brow furrowed as she lifted the lid. A gasp escaped her lips as she beheld the exquisite crystal bracelet inside. The piece shimmered with ethereal radiance.
While not identical to Archibald’s gift, the resemblance was uncanny – the same delicate craftsmanship, the same luminous quality.
“My mentor crafted this piece,” Donovan explained, his voice thick with emotion. “Considered among his finest works. He’d intended it as a gift for Madam, though circumstances prevented its delivery.”
“Madam?” Sebastian Whitmore paused mid-chew. “I thought Mr. Whitmore never married.”
Donovan’s expression turned wistful. “My master carried a torch for Madam during their apprenticeship.”
Julian Whitmore chuckled into his wine glass. “I always assumed Harrison Whitmore preferred gemstones to women. What stopped him? Cold feet?”
“They trained under the same master,” Donovan continued. “Initially, he resented sharing their teacher’s attention. But living under one roof, affection blossomed unnoticed.”
“Madam eventually married another. My master created this bracelet as a wedding gift. Tragically, she perished in a car accident en route to her ceremony.”
A heavy silence fell over the Whitmore siblings.
“From that day, my master swore off love entirely,” Donovan murmured. “He channeled all emotion into his craft, letting stone carving mend his broken heart for decades.”
Evelyn sighed. “Mr. Whitmore understood true devotion. Few men could match his loyalty.”
“Yet his emotional blindness caused this tragedy, didn’t it?” Julian interjected. “His denial came back to haunt him.”
Nathan, Sebastian and Evelyn all turned disapproving stares toward their brother. Julian quickly drowned his awkward comment with another gulp of wine.
A bitter taste filled Evelyn’s mouth. Even someone as emotionally stunted as Harrison Whitmore could unknowingly fall in love. Yet after three years of marriage, Sebastian Blackwood had never loved her – not for a single moment.
Did he regret it now that she’d filed for divorce?
Unlikely.
If Sebastian felt remorse, would he continually humiliate her with cruel words? Would he side with vicious women who questioned her integrity?
Their divorce meant she was no longer his wife – and Sebastian clearly couldn’t be bothered to show her basic respect.
Evelyn drained her wine glass in one bitter swallow, the alcohol burning her throat but clearing her mind. Harrison Whitmore would surely spin in his grave at being compared to a cad like Sebastian Blackwood.
“Ms. Evelyn, you should take the bracelet,” Donovan urged. “I’ve compared it to the broken pieces. This is the closest match to the original.”
“I couldn’t possibly! This is Mr. Whitmore’s personal treasure – far too precious!” Evelyn tried pushing the box away, but Donovan held firm.
“My master’s dying wish was clear – his belongings were to go only to Whitmore children once they came of age.” Tears welled in Evelyn’s eyes as Donovan continued, “I’ve watched you labor tirelessly these past days. That bracelet must have been from someone very special.”
“You’re a woman of remarkable loyalty and character, Ms. Evelyn. My master would be proud to have you possess it.” With a paternal smile, Donovan pressed the box firmly into Evelyn’s hands.
That evening, the Whitmore siblings bid Donovan farewell before departing Stellus together. Their Rolls-Royce sped toward Faircrest as Evelyn leaned exhaustedly against Nathan, still clutching the jewelry box protectively even as her eyelids drooped.
“Lyssa,” Nathan murmured softly, “there’s something you should know. Sebastian contacted me the night you returned to Faircrest.”
