Evelyn stood in a quiet alcove of the grand ballroom.

She absently picked at a petit four, washing it down with a sip of sparkling water.

Pregnancy had altered her palate entirely.

Foods she once craved now held no appeal, replaced by sudden, intense desires for things she'd never liked.

The most surprising change was her newfound sweet tooth.

She'd always been indifferent to desserts, but now, she couldn't get enough.

Her hand drifted to her stomach, a silent conversation with the tiny life within.

It seemed their baby—Alexander's and hers—had a definite preference for sugar.

The ballroom hummed with lively conversation. Amelia Sterling's birthday gala was as opulent as expected.

Evelyn had been perfectly happy in her secluded spot. But her solitude was short-lived.

A small cluster of elegantly dressed guests approached her.

"Good evening," the woman at the front said, offering a polished smile.

Evelyn gave a slight nod. She assumed they merely wanted her corner.

"If you need this space, I can move," she offered softly.

Before she could step away, the woman gently touched her arm. "No, we were hoping to speak with you."

Evelyn paused, studying their faces. She was certain she'd never met them.

"About what?" she asked, a note of caution in her voice.

"Relax," the woman reassured, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She leaned in slightly. "What is your connection to the Sterling family?"

Evelyn blinked, confused.

She had no connection.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. I'm just a guest at Miss Sterling's party. I have no ties to her family," she replied hesitantly.

The group exchanged skeptical glances.

The woman who spoke seemed particularly unconvinced. "The resemblance to Jonathan is uncanny. It can't be a coincidence."

Evelyn stiffened. The man she'd bumped into earlier—the rude one—was the Sterling heir.

Now that they mentioned it, she had to admit there was a similarity.

Still, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, but you are mistaken. I have no connection to them."

Sensing their persistence, she added more firmly, "It's merely a passing resemblance. Speaking like this at the Sterling birthday... Amelia would not appreciate it."

The group chuckled, their expressions a mix of amusement and scorn. "Amelia acts like the queen of Crestwood just because her family indulges her."

"We've been tired of her antics for ages. We came tonight hoping for some excitement."

"We thought it was a lost cause, but then we saw you. You might be the key."

Evelyn frowned. "What are you implying?"

Had Amelia made so many enemies without realizing it?

One of the men studied her intently. "We could help each other. If you're hiding your identity, we understand your caution. But if you don't step forward to claim what's rightfully yours, Amelia and her brother will take everything. And trust me, he dotes on her excessively."