Chapter 4

Charlotte, clutching the wailing Andrew, sat off to the side, feeling utterly humiliated with everyone watching.

Her face stung, as if someone had slapped her hard.

Her cheeks were burning.

William looked upset, too.

He picked up his glass and drained it in one go, never once looking at me.

But I knew he'd seen me.

He saw the resolve in my eyes.

The birthday party continued in an oddly tense atmosphere.

I sat calmly in the matriarch's seat, meeting the respectful and fearful gazes from everyone around me.

This was what I finally deserved.

After the party, William didn't stay.

He went straight to Charlotte's courtyard.

The maids in my courtyard were all worried for me. "My lady, Lord William..."

"It's fine," I replied calmly. "Let him do as he pleases."

If a man needed to be coddled to stick around, then I'd rather do without him.

I removed my hairpins and jewelry, preparing to turn in for the night.

But right now, a guard from the study showed up. "My lady, Lord William requests your presence."

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh in my heart.

So, after soothing his precious sweetheart, he was coming back to interrogate me now?

I threw on my coat and followed the guard into that all-too-familiar study.

William stood with his back to me, by the window. "You did well today."

His tone was impossible to read.

I froze for a second, surprised.

William turned around, his gaze intense and impossible to read as he looked at me. "Evelyn, this is how the matriarch of the Goodwin family should act. I underestimated you before."

I lowered my eyes. "You're giving me too much credit, Lord William. I was keeping the manor's order."

He stepped closer, the scent of alcohol lingering on him.

"Order?" William chuckled softly and tilted my chin up with his fingers. "Then tell me, do your rules have any room for your husband?"

His fingertips were scorching against my skin.

The heat sent a shiver straight to my heart.

I had no choice but to meet his gaze, and in those deep eyes, a storm of unreadable emotions swirled.

System reported, "System Alert: William's affection level, 38%."

Before I could respond, an old yet authoritative voice rang out from outside the door. "Are Lord William and Lady Evelyn inside? Lady Madeline requests your presence."

It was Madeline's personal attendant.

William and I exchanged a glance, both of us caught off guard.

Madeline was always devoted to her prayers, rarely involving herself in the manor's business.

What was going on today?

We walked one after the other to Madeline's Blessing Hall.

The hall was filled with the soothing aroma. Madeline sat calmly on her divan, methodically turning a string of prayer beads in her hands.

She ignored William completely, her piercing gaze landing directly on me.

It was as if her eyes could see straight through to my soul.

"So, you're Evelyn?" Madeline asked.

"Yes, Lady Madeline," I replied respectfully, bowing low.

"Lift your head. Let me take a good look at you," she commanded.

I obeyed and raised my head, meeting her gaze.

Madeline studied me for a long moment before finally speaking. "I've heard all about what went down today."

William stepped forward, about to say something.

"Be quiet," Madeline snapped, not even glancing his way. "This isn't your turn to talk."

William's face stiffened, and he actually stepped back.

I was a bit taken aback, so Madeline was truly the anchor of Goodwin Manor.

"Evelyn, do you know your offense?" Madeline pressed.

"I am unaware of any offense," I replied, calm and composed.

"Oh?" Madeline raised an eyebrow. "You let the guests see us as a joke at my birthday party, and you still don't think you've done anything wrong?"

I answered, "Lady Madeline, I believe the rules of Goodwin Manor matter more than whatever the guests find funny.

"As the martriarch of this house, if I can't even keep my own seat, that would be the biggest joke of all."

Madeline fell silent.

After a long pause, she opened her eyes, her gaze full of approval. "Nicely put."

She picked up a set of keys from her seat and handed them to her maid. "Starting tomorrow, the running of Goodwin Manor will be managed by Evelyn.

"And tell Charlotte that Andrew is the Goodwin family's eldest grandson. He's six now; he should begin his education.

"She doesn't need to hold him in her arms every day. Send him to the academy and let the tutors teach him properly."

Madeline's words hit like a bolt of lightning.

Even William was stunned, just like me.

This wasn't only about handing over control of the manor.

This was about taking Andrew away from Charlotte for good.

I took the heavy set of keys and paid my respects in gratitude. "Lady Madeline, I will not fail your trust."

As we stepped out of the Blessing Hall, William looked absolutely furious.

He seized my wrist. "Evelyn, so this was your plan all along?

"Did you go tattling to Lady Madeline about me?"

I yanked my wrist free and gave him a frosty glare. "Do you really think I could get Lady Madeline to do anything?

"Or do you see me as some manipulative woman who'll never be good enough?"

He was completely stunned, unable to say a word.

I turned and walked off, not even bothering to look back.

Just then, a maid rushed over, panic written all over her face. "Bad news, Lord William, Lady Evelyn. Lord Andrew's vomiting blood!"