Chapter 82
Tears brimmed in Genevieve’s eyes as she struggled to speak. “Y-you…” Her voice trembled with emotion.
“You’re just defying us deliberately!” Cassandra’s beautiful features twisted with rage. “Because we looked down on Evelyn, you had to take her side. All to prove how different you are! Do you really think this makes you some kind of heroine?”
Genevieve clutched her teddy bear tighter as Cassandra continued her tirade. “Stop being ridiculous! Mr. Prescott would never look at someone like you twice! Get over your pathetic fantasies!”
“Miss Cassandra, what’s going on here?” Mrs. Winthrop rushed into the room, immediately wrapping a protective arm around Genevieve’s shaking shoulders.
The other staff at Blackwood Manor had grown accustomed to such scenes. They knew better than to get involved. Only Mrs. Winthrop dared to stand up for the fragile young woman. “Get out, Mrs. Winthrop! This doesn’t concern you!” Cassandra snapped, her frustration boiling over.
“I believe you’re the one who should leave,” Mrs. Winthrop countered firmly, shielding Genevieve who trembled like a leaf. Her sharp gaze assessed Cassandra. “Walk away now and I’ll forget what I saw. Otherwise, I’ll inform Mr. Blackwood exactly how you’ve been treating Miss Genevieve.”
Cassandra paled at the threat, her anger momentarily checked. If Sebastian learned of her behavior, he’d undoubtedly tell Damien. The two were inseparable friends. Her pursuit of Damien would become infinitely more difficult if Sebastian decided to interfere.
Reluctantly, Cassandra backed down – for now. But not without one final act of cruelty. Snatching the stuffed animal from Genevieve’s arms, she hurled it out the window with a spiteful flick of her wrist.
“No! Mr. Snuggles!” Genevieve’s cry pierced the air.
“Ugh, worthless trash,” Cassandra sneered, tossing her perfect curls as she sauntered from the room.
Genevieve bolted from the manor in a panic, nearly colliding with Sebastian who had just returned home. His brow furrowed at the sight of his distraught sister.
“Genevieve? What’s wrong?” He caught her gently, concern etching his features.
Despite his disdain for Isabella and Cassandra, Sebastian cared deeply for his fragile sister. Her recent courage in defending Evelyn had actually impressed him.
“My bear! She threw Mr. Snuggles away!” Tears streamed down Genevieve’s flushed cheeks.
“Come, I’ll help you find it.” Sebastian guided her to the gardens where the beloved toy lay in a muddy patch.
A man who prized cleanliness above all, Sebastian didn’t hesitate to step into the filth, ruining his custom Italian loafers without a second thought. Retrieving the soiled toy, he handed it back to his sister.
Genevieve clutched the dirty bear to her chest as if it were the crown jewels, her quiet sobs wrenching at Sebastian’s normally impassive heart.
“Just toss that filthy thing. I’ll buy you a dozen new ones.”
“No! This is special! Evelyn gave him to me!” Genevieve’s declaration struck Sebastian like a physical blow. He hadn’t realized how attached his sister had grown to Evelyn.
As memories of Evelyn’s kindness flooded back, Genevieve recalled the cold emptiness of the manor without her. Javier’s neglect, Isabella’s indifference, and Cassandra’s constant torment made everything worse.
“Sebastian!” Genevieve suddenly threw her arms around her brother, burying her face in his chest. “Will Evelyn ever come back? I miss her so much! Please don’t divorce her!”
Sebastian’s throat tightened painfully. He absently stroked Genevieve’s hair, unable to form words that wouldn’t shatter her fragile heart.
The ringing of his phone provided an unwelcome interruption. Archibald’s name flashed on the screen.
“Yes, Grandfather?”
“Why can’t I reach Evelyn?” The elderly man’s voice trembled with childish distress. “What’s happened? She doesn’t visit anymore! Does she not care for me now? Sebastian, you foolish boy! If I’ve lost her because of you, I’ll cut you from the will myself!”
“Grandfather, Evelyn still cares for you deeply,” Sebastian assured, massaging his temples as anxiety coiled in his gut. “Don’t think such things.”
