CHAPTER 19: MARGARET REID

"Enough, Jack."

The entire shop seemed to be still at the sound.

Evelyn turned and her breath caught.

Alexander stood there, dressed in a charcoal-gray suit with his expression cold and composed.

Beside him was an elegant older woman with silver hair and eyes sharp as glass—Margaret Reid, the matriarch of the Reid family.

Alexander’s gaze flicked briefly to Evelyn, softening for a fraction of a second before hardening again as it shifted back to his brother.

Jack’s smirk faltered. "Grandmother," he said stiffly. "I didn’t know you were—"

"I can see that," Margaret cut in as she stepped forward with her cane tapping lightly against the floor. "And from what I have heard in the last thirty seconds, I am glad I decided to come along with Alexander today."

Jack swallowed as he broke into a cold sweat..

Margaret’s gaze turned to Evelyn and her tone softened. "My dear, it’s been a while."

Evelyn blinked, startled. "Mrs. Reid," she said respectfully. "It’s good to see you again."

"I wish the circumstances were better," Margaret said gently. "You look well."

In the past when she was dating Jack, Evelyn had met Margaret only once when she was visiting. From the single interaction she had with her, Evelyn could easily make out how wonderful of a person Margaret was.

Jack scoffed under his breath, muttering, "Of course she does. She is been busy winning hearts—"

Alexander’s voice was low but sharp as a blade. "That’s enough."

Jack turned to him, scowling. "What, are you her knight in shining armor now? You think this will make her forget how you—"

"I said enough," Alexander snapped and his composure cracked for the first time. His tone wasn’t loud but it carried enough force to make Jack fall silent. "You have said more than enough, Jack. Walk away before you embarrass yourself further."

A tense silence followed. The brunette tugged lightly at Jack’s sleeve, whispering for him to drop it but his pride wouldn’t let him.

"You always do this," Jack hissed. "Pretend to be the better man while stabbing everyone in the back."

Alexander took a step closer with a calm but dangerous expression. "You have mistaken silence for weakness, brother. I have learned that not every argument deserves an audience but if you are going to throw accusations at least do it where you don’t look like a fool."

Jack stiffened and his face burned red.

Margaret tapped her cane once.. "Jack Reid, that’s enough." Her tone turned icy. "You may be my grandson but if I ever hear you speak to a woman that way again, you will find yourself cut off faster than you can blink. Do I make myself clear?"

Jack opened his mouth, then shut it quickly. "Yes, Grandmother."

"Good. Now leave."

Fury flashed across his face but he obeyed and stormed out of the store with his girlfriend in tow. He knew better than to anger his grandmother.

The silence that followed felt oddly heavy.

Evelyn exhaled shakily. The only reason she didn’t want to step out was drama.

Margaret turned to her again. "Pay no attention to him, my dear. Jack was raised with every privilege but not nearly enough discipline. But thankfully Alexander takes after his grandfather."

Evelyn managed a small and grateful smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Reid."

Margaret patted her hand gently. "You always carried yourself with grace even in the worst moments and that is rare these days. Don’t let the world change that."

She paused, glancing toward the display near the back of the boutique. "Now, since we are all here, perhaps you can help me with something useful. I was hoping to find a dress for an event next week. My stylist is utterly useless when it comes to taste."

Evelyn blinked, surprised. "Me?"

"Of course, you," Margaret said, looping her arm through Evelyn’s with a familiarity that made her heart soften. "You always had impeccable judgment. I still remember that navy gown you wore to the foundation gala years ago. Half the women in the room looked like they had stepped out of a peacock parade and then there you were looking simple, elegant and unforgettable."

Evelyn flushed and was caught off guard by the compliment. "That was ages ago."

"Elegance doesn’t expire, my dear," Margaret said briskly. "Now, tell me—what do you think of this color?" She held up a muted emerald silk dress and examined it critically.

Evelyn tilted her head, stepping closer. "It’s lovely but I think the tone might wash you out a little. Maybe something with a deeper hue like sapphire."

Margaret studied her for a moment before smiling approvingly. "Sapphire. You have a lovely eye for color. I like that."

Evelyn’s lips curved slightly. "When did you come back, Mrs. Reid? I thought you were still in Paris."

"I was," Margaret replied, handing the dress to an attendant. "But I have decided to stay longer this time. There is far too much chaos in this city to leave just yet." Her tone carried layers of meaning that made Evelyn’s gaze flick briefly to Alexander.

"You are staying at the mansion?" she asked politely.

"Oh, heavens no," Margaret said with a soft laugh. "Too much noise, too much tension and far too much Benjamin. I am staying with Pauline. She is thrilled to have the company and frankly, so am I. That house actually feels like a home."

Her tone softened as she continued. "Pauline has been through enough. It’s good to see her laugh again."

Evelyn nodded, a warmth settling in her chest. She remembered Pauline fondly. She was kind, gracious and always welcoming. "That’s wonderful to hear. She was always lovely to me."

Margaret’s gaze softened further. "Of course she was. Pauline always said you were one of the few people who brought calm wherever you went." Then, with a teasing glint, she added, "Perhaps that is why Alexander looks far less miserable when you are around."

Evelyn blinked, startled. "I—uh—" She fumbled for words.

Alexander, who had been standing a respectful distance away, cleared his throat quietly. "Grandmother."

Margaret waved him off. "Oh, don’t look at me like that. I may be old but not blind."

Patricia, who had returned with a small shopping bag, stifled a laugh behind her hand.

Evelyn shot her a look, which only made her grin wider.

Margaret turned back to Evelyn with a small, knowing smile. "Now, enough talk. Let’s find that dress before your friend bursts from holding in her laughter."

Evelyn couldn’t help a quiet chuckle and she could feel the initial tension slowly disappearing.

Together, the three women moved through the store, flipping through fabrics and colors while Alexander lingered quietly nearby as he watched them.

A little while later, when Margaret finally settled on a deep sapphire gown, she turned to Evelyn and said warmly, "You were right, my dear. This one feels just right, thank you."

"It suits you perfectly," Evelyn said sincerely.

Margaret squeezed her hand. "You have a good heart, Evelyn. Don’t let people like Jack make you question that."

Evelyn’s chest tightened with emotion and she nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Reid."

Margaret smiled, then turned toward Alexander. "I will wait in the car, dear. Do take your time."

When she was gone, silence hung between Alexander and Evelyn.

Patricia, catching the tension, quickly mumbled, "I will go look at shoes," and slipped away, leaving them alone.

.....