Evelyn gave a dismissive eye roll.

She saw right through Rebecca's attempt to stir up trouble.

Unfazed, she turned to Amelia with a casual tone.

"My husband is Alexander Blackwood. We married in a private ceremony six months ago. It was very sudden, so few people know."

Amelia, having heard some Crestwood gossip about Alexander since her return, was surprised.

But she replied sincerely, "Knowing you, it must be a marriage of deep affection. You wouldn't mention him so freely otherwise."

A genuine smile touched Evelyn's lips.

"Absolutely. I love my husband dearly."

Rebecca couldn't contain her scorn any longer.

"Evelyn, weren't you attached at the hip to some guy all through college? What happened? How did you end up with Alexander?"

Evelyn knew Rebecca was referring to her ex-fiancé, Julian.

Her old classmates didn't know the full story because she had never shared the details.

If Rebecca hadn't brought him up, Julian would have remained a faded, painful memory.

"Why does it matter who I married?" Evelyn retorted, her voice cool.

Rebecca gritted her teeth, struggling to control her irritation as she continued to prod.

"Oh, come on. If things are so perfect, why isn't Alexander here tonight? Lucas said partners were welcome. You always boast about your wonderful marriage. Or are you just embarrassed by his wheelchair?"

Before Rebecca could say more, Evelyn's icy glare made her shrink back.

Muttering under her breath, Rebecca added, "Just try not to embarrass yourself later!"

She then turned and stalked back to her seat.

Evelyn watched her go, feeling a wave of relief.

She gestured for Amelia to join her, and they resumed their meal.

Seated now, Rebecca couldn't stop herself from glancing toward the entrance.

Her behavior did not go unnoticed.

"Rebecca, what are you staring at?" someone asked.

"Stop waiting. Anastasia isn't coming back. Looks like you're dealing with Evelyn alone."

Rebecca snapped, "Who said I'm waiting for Anastasia?"

"Then what are you looking for?"

"Nothing," Rebecca replied curtly, waving a dismissive hand.

She wasn't ready to share her thoughts.

Yet, she found it strange. Why hadn't he arrived?

It had been more than ten minutes.

A knot of anxiety began to tighten in her stomach.

She had seen the confirmation that her message was delivered.

Could it be that Alexander never received it?

Another possibility occurred to her. Maybe Alexander simply didn't care about anything involving Evelyn.

That would explain his absence.

This thought gave Rebecca a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Considering Evelyn's earlier confidence, she guessed Alexander probably felt indifferent toward her too.

Suddenly, a commotion at the entrance snapped everyone to attention.