139 You Backed The Wrong Man

Evelyn was prepared for the office gossip.

She knew the online rumors would fuel the whispers.

So when Genevieve started her usual provocations, Evelyn barely reacted.

It felt petty and predictable.

Genevieve always relied on the same tired tactics.

"Perhaps Nathaniel should assign you more work if you have this much free time," Evelyn stated calmly, completely unruffled.

Genevieve's eyes narrowed, a flash of irritation crossing her features.

She smirked, deciding to strike lower.

"No wonder you've been so secretive about your husband."

She let out a sharp, mocking laugh, her satisfaction evident.

She made a show of looking around at their watching colleagues, raising her voice for effect.

"So, your husband is that forgotten, disabled son of the Blackwood family, is he?"

Evelyn's expression turned to ice.

Several coworkers exchanged significant glances.

Hushed murmurs immediately broke out.

"Did you see the news about Evelyn online?"

"I was away all weekend. What happened?"

"Evelyn was with her boyfriend for five years, but on her wedding day, she married Alexander—the eldest Blackwood son."

"The Blackwood family? That's massive. Didn't she land a huge catch?"

"You're missing the crucial detail."

"Seriously, you're out of the loop. Everyone in Crestwood knows the Blackwoods want nothing to do with Alexander. They'd prefer he didn't exist. They discarded him years ago."

"Why?"

"His mother died when he was young. Then, a few years ago, he had a car accident. He's paralyzed now. To them, he's just a burden!"

Genevieve thrilled at the spreading whispers.

She had been waiting for revenge since Evelyn outperformed her in the interview.

Who would have thought that Evelyn would end up shackled to Alexander, the most pitied name in Crestwood's high society?

The irony was delicious.

The more she thought about it, the more amused she became.

A smug smile played on her lips as she feigned sympathy.

"Evelyn, I understand. You came from nothing and thought your looks could buy you a wealthy future. But my God… you really backed the wrong man."

She released a dramatic, pitying sigh.

"Alexander is a ghost to the Blackwoods. Even with Harrison in prison, they'd move heaven and earth to free him before acknowledging Alexander. And if push comes to shove, they have plenty of other heirs. Let's be honest—what powerful family would ever entrust their legacy to a cripple?"

The air around Evelyn turned frigid and sharp.

She fixed Genevieve with a glare that could freeze hell.

"Say that again. I dare you."

Her fingers tightened around her coffee cup.

Clearly, Genevieve hadn't learned her lesson last time—probably because the coffee hadn't been hot enough.

The moment Genevieve saw the cup in Evelyn's hand, a shudder ran through her.

She instinctively stepped back.

"Evelyn, I'm warning you—don't do anything stupid!" Her voice trembled, eyes locked on the cup as if expecting an attack.

Evelyn's face was an unreadable mask.

"Then keep your disgusting mouth shut."

A heavy silence fell over the office.

At that exact moment, Nathaniel walked in.

He ignored the palpable tension and looked directly at Evelyn.

"My office. Now."