I Live Here

Evelyn had done her research on Cassandra Sterling.

She had pored over countless photographs and articles.

So the moment the woman appeared in the flesh, Evelyn recognized her instantly.

But what was Cassandra doing at Serenity Oaks?

Shock rooted Evelyn to the spot, her mind racing to process the scene.

It took a full second for her to regain her composure.

A few paces away, Cassandra was studying Evelyn with an intense, scrutinizing stare.

Her delicate, perfectly sculpted features and innate elegance sent a sharp, unexpected jolt of unease straight to Cassandra's core.

Whoever this intruder was, she needed to be removed.

And quickly.

Before Alexander returned.

With that decision made, Cassandra didn't hesitate.

Her voice sliced through the quiet atmosphere, sharp and commanding.

"You. Whoever you are. Get out of this house immediately! This is Alexander's home. It is not a place for random women to wander into!"

The sheer arrogance in her tone made Evelyn's brow furrow.

It was only then that Evelyn registered how familiarly Cassandra said 'Alexander'.

As if they shared a closeness beyond mere acquaintance.

Evelyn had never known Alexander was connected to someone like Cassandra Sterling...

She pushed the thought aside, keeping her voice level. "You're mistaken. I didn't wander in. I live here."

The words were barely out of Evelyn's mouth when Cassandra's expression turned thunderous.

Her gaze sharpened like a blade.

"You live here?" Cassandra let out a derisive laugh. "Listen to yourself. Women like you are a dime a dozen. Clinging to successful men, hoping for a handout. You're clearly just another gold-digger trying to latch onto Alexander, aren't you?"

Cassandra took an aggressive step forward, her voice dripping with contempt. "Since you clearly have no shame, don't blame me for what happens next."

Before Evelyn could formulate a response, Cassandra spun on her heel and shouted, "Security! Now!"

Samuel arrived promptly, his expression carefully neutral. "Miss Sterling? Is there a problem?"

Cassandra shot him a piercing look. "Is this how you manage security? Some unknown woman has just infiltrated Alexander's private residence! Remove her. Now!"

Her demanding tone carried the weight of someone who believed she had authority here.

But Samuel hesitated. His eyes flickered toward Evelyn, surprise flashing across his face before he spoke. "Mrs. Blackwood. You've returned."

Evelyn gave a slight nod, her posture unwavering. "I just arrived."

Cassandra went rigid.

Her head whipped around to face Samuel. "What did you call her?"

Samuel met her incredulous stare directly, his reply factual. "Mrs. Blackwood."

He continued, his tone respectful yet firm. "Miss Sterling, as you've been abroad, you may not be aware. This is Mr. Blackwood's wife, Evelyn. The legitimate mistress of Serenity Oaks."

Cassandra's eyes widened in pure disbelief.

She stared at Evelyn, her face contorting with bitter resentment.

"His wife? That's impossible!" she spat out, her voice rising. "She's obviously married him for his wealth! Alexander has been deceived by this... this opportunist!"

Her words grew shriller, laced with venom.

A knot tightened in Evelyn's stomach.

The raw hostility in Cassandra's gaze was unsettling, but Evelyn refused to let it show.

Before she could respond, Samuel intervened, his voice steely. "That is quite enough, Miss Sterling. You will show respect to Mrs. Blackwood. Regardless of your long acquaintance with Mr. Blackwood or your public stature, if you persist in this behavior, we will have no choice but to escort you from the premises."

Samuel's words made Cassandra freeze, the color draining from her face.

She knew little about this Evelyn woman.

But she knew one crucial thing about Samuel.

He was not merely a servant.

He had served at Serenity Oaks for years.

His words often carried the weight of Alexander's own authority.

And here he was, defending Evelyn without a moment's hesitation.

That could mean only one thing.

This woman was significant in Alexander's eyes.

She was not a temporary distraction.

Cassandra's fists clenched at her sides.

She hadn't come here to start a war.

She needed a favor from Alexander.

Swallowing her fury, she forced herself into silence.