Chapter 238

Evelyn Carter's newfound status had everyone clamoring to get on her good side. The Sterling Manor buzzed with social climbers vying for her attention.

This didn't sit well with Beatrice Harrington.

"Aunt Beatrice, do you know why Vanessa was sent to Astana?" Rosalind Blackwell asked casually.

Since her marriage, Beatrice had distanced herself from Sterling family affairs. Eleanor had only mentioned Vanessa was studying abroad.

But Astana? Even with the Sterlings' declining fortunes, they wouldn't exile their daughter there without reason.

Beatrice frowned. "What exactly happened?"

Rosalind's gaze drifted toward Evelyn across the crowded room.

"Because of her, obviously."

"You mean Evelyn? She has that much influence now?"

Rosalind gave Beatrice a pitying look.

"Have you forgotten how Vanessa and Aunt Eleanor treated her? This is just karma catching up with them."

"Now that she's powerful, she made sure Vanessa got what she deserved. I heard Nathan confirmed she might never return."

Beatrice's pulse quickened. "She holds grudges that deeply?"

Memories surfaced of her own cruel taunts toward Evelyn. If the younger woman sought revenge...

"Aunt Beatrice, it's not just Vanessa. Even Aunt Eleanor couldn't escape her wrath."

"What? Eleanor was her mother-in-law! How dare she? That's outrageous!"

Seeing Beatrice's agitation, Rosalind pressed further.

"They're divorced now. That makes Eleanor nothing to her. And considering your situation..."

Beatrice felt ice in her veins. Married to a middle-class businessman, she'd be defenseless against Evelyn's retaliation.

Desperate, she turned to Rosalind. "You've always been clever. Should I apologize? Would she forgive me?"

As Beatrice moved to approach Evelyn, Rosalind grabbed her arm.

"Too late for that. She could have helped Uncle's business anytime. She didn't because she scorns your family."

Beatrice's face darkened as she glared at Evelyn. "That ungrateful wretch."

"If you grovel now, she'll only humiliate you further."

"Then what should I do?"

Rosalind's lips curved. "Simple. If she won't show mercy, why should we? Want to teach her a lesson?"

Leaning close, Rosalind whispered her plan.

Beatrice's eyes lit with malicious glee. "Brilliant! As her elder, I won't let her walk over us."

Meanwhile, across the ballroom, guests swarmed around Evelyn, eager to curry favor with the rising Kingsley heiress. Their sycophantic laughter carried through the opulent hall.