Chapter 234

"Don't sell yourself short. I truly believe happiness will find you," Evelyn spoke with genuine warmth in her voice.

Adrian appeared thoughtful as he gave a firm nod. Though silent, the determination in his piercing gaze spoke volumes about his resolve.

The following week kept Evelyn occupied as she tackled the mountain of work that had piled up during her involvement with the fashion event. When Saturday dawned, she finally had a moment to breathe.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call just as the morning light painted her bedroom walls gold.

"Evelyn darling, will you be joining us at Sterling Manor today?" Margaret's voice carried unmistakable hope through the receiver.

Evelyn hesitated briefly before responding. "Of course, Grandma. I wouldn't miss your special day for anything."

Margaret's delighted laughter filled the line. "Wonderful! I'll be counting the minutes until you arrive."

As she ended the call, Evelyn turned toward the window where sunlight streamed through in golden ribbons. The perfect weather seemed tailor-made for celebrations.

Retrieving the exquisite emerald set she'd acquired at last month's auction, Evelyn summoned her housekeeper.

"Marjorie, could you prepare an appropriate gift box for these?"

"Right away, madam." Marjorie's skilled hands made quick work of the elegant packaging.

"You have quite the talent for presentation," Evelyn remarked appreciatively.

"If I may ask, where will you be heading today?" Marjorie inquired politely.

"Sterling Manor," Evelyn replied simply, offering no further explanation that wasn't required.

Later, she selected a sleek white Maserati from the garage and began the drive to the Sterling family estate.

The manor buzzed with celebratory energy when she arrived. The Sterlings always spared no expense for Margaret's birthday, evidenced by the parade of luxury vehicles lining the circular driveway.

Guests mingled in the grand hall, presenting their gifts and offering well-wishes to the guest of honor. Yet Margaret's attention kept drifting toward the entrance, as if anticipating someone's arrival.

"Mother, Geraldine has prepared something special for you today," Gwendolyn announced, steering her daughter Rosalind forward.

"Happy birthday, Grandmother." Rosalind presented her gift with practiced grace.

Margaret offered a polite smile. "How thoughtful of you, dear."

But Gwendolyn wasn't finished. Linking arms with Margaret, she pressed on. "Since we're all together, we should discuss Rosalind's future. At twenty-five, she really should be considering marriage prospects—"

"Mother!" Rosalind's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Gwendolyn remained undeterred, producing a folder from her designer handbag. "I've taken the liberty of compiling dossiers on several eligible—"

Eleanor chose that moment to intervene. "Must we really turn Mother's birthday into a matchmaking event?" The tension between the sisters-in-law crackled in the air.

Though Eleanor was Nathan's stepmother, her position in the family remained unshakable—she'd given birth to the Sterling heir, after all.