Chapter 6
Evelyn’s breath hitched when she saw the name flashing on Sebastian’s phone screen.
“Should I answer it?” Sebastian asked, his voice low.
“Go ahead.”
He swiped to accept the call and put it on speaker, deliberately taking his time to respond.
“Mr. Blackwood, are you with my wife?” Zachary’s voice was rough, laced with something dark.
Evelyn’s temper flared instantly. “Mr. Blackwood, ex-wife,” she corrected sharply. “And I suggest you watch your tone.”
“Evelyn Sinclair, I knew you’d be with him.” Zachary’s voice dropped dangerously.
“Should I have waited at home like a good little doormat for you to kick me out again?”
On the other end, Zachary’s expression darkened. “Don’t be so hasty. The divorce isn’t finalized yet. Legally, you’re still my wife. Have some respect for the Blackwood name.”
“You dragged Vanessa Delacroix into Seaview Manor and forced me to sign those papers. Did you care about my reputation then?” Evelyn scoffed. “One-sided respect means nothing. If you didn’t care about my dignity, why should I care about yours? I gracefully stepped aside for Vanessa. Maybe you should ask her to uphold the Blackwood reputation.”
Nathan smirked into his tea. This was the real Evelyn—fierce, unapologetic. The meek, obedient wife she’d pretended to be for Zachary had been nothing but an act.
Zachary exhaled sharply, sounding exhausted. “I don’t have time for this. Grandfather is ill. He’s at the hospital and refuses to take his medication unless he sees you.”
Evelyn’s chest tightened. Despite everything, Archibald Blackwood had been kind to her. She could walk away from the money, the status—but not him.
“He’s at Blackwood Medical Center, right? I’ll be there soon.”
She ended the call with a sigh.
“Lyse, I’ll drive you,” Nathan offered gently.
“No. I’m just visiting Grandfather. No need to stir up more drama.” She grabbed her keys. “I’ll go alone.”
At the hospital, Zachary and Maxwell stood outside Archibald’s room.
Evelyn strode toward them, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She noticed Zachary looked thinner, his jawline sharper.
Ugh. Why do I even care? She mentally kicked herself. He could waste away for all I care.
When she stopped in front of them, both men looked up—and froze.
Maxwell’s mouth fell open. “M-Madam Sinclair… is that really you?”
Evelyn blinked. In her rush, she’d forgotten to tone down her appearance. Gone was the plain Alice White. Now, she stood in a sleek black suit, her lips painted a bold crimson, the ruby butterfly brooch on her lapel glinting under the hospital lights.
“Surprise,” she deadpanned.
“You look… incredible,” Maxwell stammered. “So different. Confident. Radiant.”
Evelyn smirked. “Divorce suits me.”
Zachary’s expression darkened. “If you were so miserable, why stay for three years? I told you repeatedly—you could’ve walked away anytime.”
The words stung. This was Zachary Blackwood—cold, indifferent. No matter how much she had loved him, he’d never cared.
“I made a promise to Grandfather,” she said coolly. “But now you’re free. No more sneaking around with Vanessa. You can parade her around openly.”
Zachary’s jaw clenched. Who was this woman? The meek wife he’d ignored had transformed into someone bold, captivating. Something unfamiliar flickered in his eyes.
“Zachary!”
Vanessa’s voice cut through the tension. She hurried over, arm-in-arm with Isabella. The moment she spotted Evelyn, her eyes flashed with venom—before morphing into sickly sweetness.
“Why are you here?” Zachary asked, surprised.
Vanessa threw herself into his arms. “How could you not tell me Grandfather was sick? Do I mean nothing to you?”
Isabella sighed dramatically. “She was so worried she vomited her lunch.”
Zachary frowned. “Again? Your stomach—”
“It’s fine,” Vanessa said weakly. “Just stress.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. Oh, please. She remembered the nights she’d curled up in pain, too proud to ask for help—while Zachary never even noticed.
Turns out, he could be tender. Just not with her.
Vanessa smirked at Evelyn from Zachary’s embrace, then did a double take. Since when did this plain Jane become so stunning? That brooch—isn’t that Alexa’s latest design? Worth a fortune! There’s no way she can afford that. It must be fake.
“Zachary, let Vanessa accompany you inside,” Isabella urged, blatantly ignoring Evelyn.
Evelyn didn’t react. She didn’t care about them anymore.
Just then, Edmund stepped out of the ward.
“Mr. Blackwood requests his granddaughter-in-law.”
Vanessa’s face twisted with envy.
“Edmund, I’m here.” Evelyn moved forward, no longer bothered by titles.
“Madam Sinclair.” Edmund bowed slightly. “Mr. Blackwood wishes to see you and Mr. Zachary.”
Without another word, Evelyn walked in. Zachary followed, lips pressed into a thin line.
“Zachary, wait—” Vanessa tried to follow, but Edmund blocked her.
“Apologies. Mr. Blackwood’s orders—only family.”
