CHAPTER 22: A HIDDEN MOTIVE?

[Carter Mansion]

Evelyn’s phone buzzed across the kitchen counter as she poured herself a cup of coffee. The number flashing on the screen wasn’t saved but the area code was familiar.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hello?"

"Evelyn Carter, I presume," came the unmistakable crisp and amused voice on the other end.

Evelyn blinked. "Yes, who is this?" she asked.

"It’s Margaret Reids," Margaret replied smoothly. "I hope I am not interrupting your morning."

Evelyn set down her cup carefully, still trying to process the fact that Alexander’s grandmother was calling her. "Not at all but, may I ask how did you get my number?"

"I have my ways," Margaret said airily, the faint clink of porcelain audible in the background. "One of the perks of having lived long enough to know everyone who matters in this city."

Evelyn couldn’t help a small laugh. "I see."

"I am calling because I need your help," Margaret continued and her tone shifted into something warmer. "There is a small charity program being organized this weekend by the ladies’ club. You know one of those affairs meant to make the wealthy feel useful."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Oh I see, but let me guess, you are not attending out of choice."

"God, no," Margaret said dryly. "I retired from that circus years ago but Pauline is still involved and Olivia, unfortunately, is a very loud member." The disdain in her voice was impossible to miss. "Melissa Carter, your mother is part of it too. So I think it’s safe to say that we can expect at least one dramatic event."

Evelyn nearly choked back a laugh. "That sounds eventful."

"That is precisely why I thought of you," Margaret said briskly. "They are short of hands for the art display and someone with a good eye is needed. I thought you could help."

Evelyn hesitated. "Mrs. Reid, I don’t think I would fit in among those circles."

"Oh, nonsense. You have more class in your little finger than half those women put together," Margaret said firmly. "Besides, I would like to see you again. Consider this a favor to an old woman who is tired of watching fools pretend to be saints."

Evelyn couldn’t help smiling. "You are very persuasive."

"I prefer the word convincing," Margaret replied lightly. "Why don’t you drop by my house tomorrow around ten? We can go over the details together."

Evelyn blinked, caught off guard. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes," Margaret said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "It will give us time to sort out the arrangements before Saturday’s event."

"All right," Evelyn said after a moment. "I can do that."

"Wonderful." Margaret’s tone softened but there was still that teasing glint behind her words. "I could send Alexander to pick you up if—"

"Oh, no, that is not necessary," Evelyn interjected quickly. "I can drive myself."

There was a pause, followed by a low chuckle. "Very well," Margaret said. "I wouldn’t dream of arguing with a young woman who clearly knows her mind."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Thank you, Mrs. Reid."

"Good girl," Margaret said in a satisfied voice. "I knew I liked you for a reason. I will see you at ten sharp tomorrow."

Before Evelyn could say another word, the line clicked dead.

Evelyn stood there with her phone still in hand. She was half amused and half dazed by how effortlessly Margaret swept her into her plans.

Given the fact that Margaret Reid was a well-known individual in their circle who was feared by many because of her harsh yet accurate words, Evenlyn wasn’t surprised that she had no other choice but to agree.

She exhaled a soft laugh. "Of course," she murmured to herself. "Only Mrs. Reid could pull something like this."

....

[Next Day]

The smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air when Evelyn walked into the dining room. Her father was already seated at the table, half-hidden behind the morning paper, while her mother sat across from him, scrolling through her phone with her robe loosely tied at the waist.

For a moment, Evelyn simply stood there, hesitating. She had rehearsed how to bring it up ever since she got off the phone with Margaret but now that both her parents were in front of her, it somehow felt heavier.

She was worried how they would react after everything that had happened.

She cleared her throat softly. "I got a call from Margaret Reid yesterday."

And that earned their attention immediately.

Gregory lowered the paper and Melissa paused mid-scroll.

"Margaret Reid?" Gregory repeated, his brows knitting. "As in Mrs. Reid?"

Evelyn nodded as she moved to pour herself some coffee. "Yes. She asked me to drop by today to help her with a charity program she is organizing with her club."

Melissa leaned back as surprise flickered in her expression. "Well, that is unexpected." Then, after a pause, she added thoughtfully, "I always liked Margaret. She is a tough old woman with a very bold mouth but she is fair. And Pauline—" She sighed, "That woman has such a gentle heart. She didn’t deserve what happened to her."

Evelyn looked up at that, curious. "You and Pauline were close?"

"Not very close,," Melissa admitted, setting her phone aside. "But we attend a few of the events every now and then. She is always polite and never talks badly about anyone, not even about Olivia."

She then sighed and placed her hand on her chest. "When everything fell apart, she was the only one I felt sorry for."

Gregory, who had been silent till now, folded the paper with deliberate care. "Melissa—" he said quietly, "we don’t know all the details of what happened."

"Oh there is nothing to know. Everything is crystal clear." Melissa scoffed, "Benjamin couldn’t keep his thing in his pants when that home-wrecker Olivia shamelessly seduced him."

"Mom—" Evelyn widened her eyes. "That is not a very good choice of words."

To which Melissa just shrugged. "It is what it is."

Evelyn helplessly shook her head and sighed. Her mother was only a level below Margaret Reids when it came to having a bold mouth.

She then looked at her father. "Dad, I am not going there to stir up the past. Mrs. Reid just asked for help, that’s all."

Gregory met her gaze and remained silent for a couple of seconds before he finally nodded. "All right. If you have made up your mind, then go. Just tread lightly. People like Margaret don’t do anything without reason."

Melissa gave a soft scoff. "Oh, stop being so suspicious. It’s a charity club not a political summit." Then, turning to Evelyn, she smiled. "Take her some lilies, will you? Pauline loves them. She used to say they made any room feel alive again."

Evelyn’s lips curved faintly. "I will."

.....