Chapter 3

My illness lingered for half a month.

Medicine was delivered to Autumn Court in a steady stream.

A new batch of servants was assigned to me, all treading carefully around me.

William didn't show up again.

But every day, he sent someone to inquire about my health.

My health gradually improved, and I was finally able to get out of bed and walk around.

One day, I happened to overhear two maids whispering to each other.

"Did you hear? Lord William had Luke sold off."

"That's not all. He tracked down all the old nursemaids who attended Lady Charlotte during her childbirth, gave them a beating, and sent them packing out of Betrico."

"Word is they didn't take proper care of her back then, and that's why Lady Charlotte ended up with lasting health problems."

"Who would've guessed? Even though Lady Charlotte's not the favored matriarch, Lord William still cares about her."

I gripped the doorframe, feeling a chill seep into my heart.

He wasn't truly concerned about me.

He was trying to make up for his failings as the lord of Goodwin Manor.

Under his own roof, the matriarch of the house had almost died from illness, what a humiliation for him.

All his so-called concern was nothing but a farce to protect his own foolish pride.

Charlotte visited me a few times.

She always brought Andrew along.

She showed genuine concern for me, asking about my health and making sure I was comfortable. "Evelyn, you're not well. You should really rest up.

"Leave the matters of Goodwin Manor to me. You can rest easy."

Charlotte took Andrew's hand and gently nudged him forward to greet me. "Andrew, go on, pay your respects to Lady Evelyn."

Andrew glanced at me timidly and whispered, "Lady Evelyn."

After that, he ducked behind Charlotte, hiding shyly.

I looked at him, my heart twisting with pain.

My own son was afraid of me.

My own son called another woman Mom.

Charlotte took it all in, a faint, knowing smile playing at her lips.

After Charlotte left, the system's icy voice rang in my mind, "System Notification: Charlotte is stealing your fortune.

"Your son, Andrew, is the main source of your fortune.

"As he grows more distant from you and closer to Charlotte, your fortune will be drained away.

"When your fortune is depleted, you will die."

I was stunned.

So this was the real trump card in this twisted game of conquest.

William's love, Charlotte's schemes, and where Andrew truly belonged.

All of it was intertwined.

They wanted more than my son.

They also wanted my life.

I couldn't help but laugh.

William.

I used to only want to conquer your heart and then leave without a second thought.

But now, I'd changed my mind.

I wanted my son back.

And I wanted you and your dear Charlotte to pay for what you'd done, an eye for an eye.

That night, after finishing his official duties, William came to Autumn Court.

It was the first time he'd visited since I recovered from my illness.

He looked at me, his gaze complicated. "Are you feeling better?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lord William. I'm much better now," I replied, giving him a respectful bow, my tone distant.

William seemed a bit taken aback by my attitude, frowning slightly. "The physician said your body's too frail now. It'll be difficult for you to have children again."

There was something in his voice I couldn't quite read.

Was it guilt?

I raised my head and looked him straight in the eye. "Did you forget, Lord William? Seven years ago, you said I was young, that I'd always have another chance to bear children. So now you actually believe what the physician says?"

My words were like a knife, stabbing right into his heart.

His expression darkened instantly.

System reported, "System Notification: William's affection level is now 30%."

*****

Madeline Goodwin's birthday party had arrived.

Madeline was William's grandmother, and she spent most of her time worshipping at a church on the outskirts of Betrico.

She only returned to Goodwin Manor once a year, on her birthday.

It was the most important event of the year for the Goodwin family.

In previous years, I'd always pretended to be sick and hid away in Autumn Court.

Charlotte, as the younger matriarch, would handle all the arrangements, bringing Andrew along and stealing the spotlight.

Everyone said that even though Charlotte was the sister-in-law, she seemed more like the true lady of Goodwin Manor than I, the official matriarch.

This year, I decided not to hide anymore.

On the day of the birthday party, I got up early.

I took my time getting ready in front of the mirror, making sure every detail was perfect.

I picked out a long dress in a rich autumn color, subtle, but still fitting for the lady of Goodwin Manor.

On my head, I wore only a single, smooth hairpin.

I looked elegant and dignified, every bit the lady of the house.

When the maid escorted me into the ballroom, everyone was stunned.

The noisy hall fell silent in an instant.

Countless eyes turned to me all at once.

Some were surprised, some curious, and some showed disdain.

I acted like I didn't see any of it.

My eyes went straight to the main seat.

William sat at the main seat, Charlotte right next to him in a bright red dress.

Charlotte had Andrew in her arms, and he was dressed up in fresh new clothes, too.

They looked for all the world like a picture-perfect family of three.

How ironic.

I made my way forward, each step deliberate and unhurried.

Every gaze tracked my steps as I crossed the hall.

I came to a halt before the table.

I gave Charlotte a subtle, confident smile. "Charlotte."

My voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly through the entire hall. "You're sitting in my seat."

Charlotte's face drained of color.

She hugged Andrew tightly, her eyes pleading as she looked to William for help. Tears quickly filled her eyes. "Evelyn, I only wanted Andrew to spend more time with his father. He's still a kid."

What a convenient excuse.

She always hid behind the child.

My smile stayed the same, but my tone turned cold. "The younger the child, the more they need to learn the rules.

"In Goodwin Manor, I am the lady of the house, and you are the widowed wife of Lord William's brother.

"There's a proper order in this house; we are not the same.

"Is that really something you need me to teach you?"

Each word struck like a hammer, echoing through the hall.

Low whispers rippled through the crowd.

Charlotte's face shifted from pale to green, utterly mortified.

She bit her lip, tears shimmering in her eyes, looking like she was about to cry. "I-I didn't mean it like that. Evelyn, you misunderstood me."

Andrew was frightened by the confrontation and started crying loudly. "Mom, I want Mom!"

He hugged Charlotte's neck tightly, crying as he buried his face against her.

That word Mom was like a poisoned needle, stabbing deep into my heart.

Everyone's gaze focused on William.

Everyone was waiting for him to make a decision.

I looked at him.

My husband.

What choice would he make?

Would he defend my dignity as his lawful wife, or would he side with the woman he held dear?

William's brow was tightly furrowed.

He glanced at Andrew, who was crying, then at Charlotte, her eyes brimming with tears.

Finally, his gaze settled on me.

I kept my face blank, showing no emotion.

There were no tears, no drama.

I simply met his gaze, steady and calm.

After a long, heavy silence, William spoke, his voice cold and hard. "Charlotte, take Andrew to the side."

System reported, "System Notification: William's affection level is now 35%."