Why Wait To Retaliate

Meanwhile, at Serenity Oaks.

"You're telling me Patricia and Isabella had a major fight? And Patricia actually threw Isabella out?"

Eleanor Blackwood's surprise was clear as she listened to the report from Alexander's subordinate.

She had expected tension between the two women, given their conflicting agendas. But she hadn't anticipated a total breakdown this quickly.

The man nodded in confirmation.

"Absolutely. No one saw it coming. It's a complete disaster for them. There was a huge scene outside the Blackwood mansion when Isabella was ejected. Plenty of people filmed it. Those videos are everywhere online now. It's the biggest gossip story in the city. Would you like to see one?"

A tone of grim satisfaction colored his words. Just days ago, these women had been insufferably arrogant.

Now their plans had collapsed spectacularly. It felt like justice.

Evelyn, however, showed no interest in the spectacle. Her response was simple. "I understand."

Her composure surprised the subordinate. He saw no trace of gloating on her face.

After a moment's hesitation, he ventured a question. "Mrs. Blackwood, you've had that evidence for a while. Why did you put up with their schemes and insults initially? Why wait to strike back?"

Evelyn met his gaze with a serious one of her own. "I had no desire to escalate things needlessly. But once they made it clear they were targeting me, I wasn't going to be a passive victim. If I had revealed the evidence immediately, it might have been contained. By letting the situation develop, I ensured my counterattack would be decisive. There would be real consequences for their actions."

The underlying message finally clicked for the subordinate.

Though her exterior was often gentle and kind, Evelyn possessed a core of steel. She stood firmly on a foundation of unshakeable principle.

Patricia and Isabella had learned that lesson the hard way. They paid the price for their aggression.

Dismissing the subordinate, Evelyn's attention returned to the massage book in her hands.

With the Patricia situation resolved, Evelyn put it out of her mind. It was over.

She had far more important things to think about than dwelling on petty rivalries.

Time passed quietly.

Soon, Alexander entered the room, his wheelchair moving silently across the floor. He found Evelyn, deeply absorbed in her reading.