Chapter 3 The Wife Versus The Homewrecker

Evelina spent three uninterrupted days catching up on sleep in Kristina's luxurious presidential suite.

Aside from brief intervals of nibbling on snacks, she barely moved, with Kristina even applying rejuvenating face masks for her.

On the fourth morning, Demi called unexpectedly, requesting Evelina's presence at the Gibson Mansion.

It wasn't difficult to guess the reason behind the call-no doubt it concerned the divorce.

Kristina, however, suspected something deeper.

She said, "I doubt it's that simple. Apparently, Florrie Russell, the eldest granddaughter of the influential Russell family, recently went blind after suffering a severe head injury. The family has exhausted their options with renowned specialists and is now desperately seeking Landen Mitchell's elusive protege-the Sight Weaver.

Jasper Russell himself is arriving in Aglonard to oversee the search personally. Demi is the only one aware of your true identity, and I'm concerned she might try to-"

Evelina quickly reassured her. "Demi vowed never to expose my identity. Don't worry."

Kristina remained cautious. "Just make sure the Gibson family don't take advantage of your skills again."

"I'll be careful," Evelina replied firmly.

Still unconvinced, Kristina said decisively, "You won't be meeting them looking like this."

Immediately after breakfast, Kristina summoned her private beauty team. "Your mission: revive our sleeping beauty."

And they did. After ample rest, Evelina resembled a wilting flower that had finally received sunlight. Her skin was luminous, her features radiant, and the tiredness that had dimmed her gaze for years completely disappeared, replaced by clarity and allure.

With a refined cocktail dress and minimal yet tasteful makeup, Evelina transformed dramatically.

Kristina stood speechless for several moments before exclaiming, "Cary must've been utterly blind to trade a goddess for someone like Esme."

Precisely on time, the Gibson family's chauffeur-driven vehicle arrived outside the hotel.

Asher, the family's longtime butler, personally came to escort her. Initially, he didn't recognize Evelina at all.

He stared uncertainly until she greeted him, causing recognition to dawn suddenly. "Ms. Marsh?" He stumbled over his words. "You look absolutely extraordinary."

Within half an hour, the car pulled up at the Gibson Mansion, with Asher quickly stepping out to courteously open her door.

"Is this Miss Russell herself?" Margot hurried forward, her expression instantly switching to flattery.

Today marked Jasper's arrival, and Margot had meticulously styled herself since early morning, eager to capture his attention.

She figured it would just be Jasper showing up. The last thing she expected was a stunning woman standing at the door.

With that grace and confidence, who else could she be but a Russell?

"Margot, perhaps you should get your eyes checked." Evelina's tone was polite, edged with unmistakable disdain.

Margot's mouth dropped open. "It's you?" she whispered incredulously, jealousy flaring visibly as she examined Evelina closely.

At that precise moment, another vehicle approached. Cary stepped out gracefully, accompanied by Esme.

Yet when his gaze landed upon Evelina, he stopped abruptly, utterly captivated.

Just a few days had passed-how had she transformed so stunningly? Evelina radiated an effortless, compelling beauty.

Noticing Cary's astonishment, Esme's jaw tightened, though she maintained her gentle smile. "That's your ex-wife, isn't it?" she said softly. "Since we've run into her, you might as well say hello. It must have been challenging for an orphan like her to follow you all this way."

Esme spoke softly, but each word stung sharper than a slap-acting as if she, not Evelina, was the genuine Mrs. Gibson.

Startled out of her reverie, Margot immediately exploded in anger. "Evelina! Where did you get the money to dress up like this? Did you drain Cary's accounts for your new face and that designer dress?"

Even Esme had opted for simplicity today, avoiding unnecessary attention. Seeing Evelina effortlessly steal the spotlight was unbearable for Margot.

She hesitated briefly before hissing spitefully, "Look at you, dressed like a tramp. Trying to win Cary back? You're delusional!"

In a rage, Margot lunged forward, claws reaching viciously for Evelina's dress and hair.

Quickly stepping in, Asher intervened firmly, "Miss Gibson, please! There are esteemed guests today-this isn't appropriate behavior for a Gibson."

Ignoring Asher's plea, Margot shouted furiously, "I'll rip that smug face of yours apart!"

Remaining composed, Evelina calmly raised her phone, recording Margot's tantrum. With cold confidence, she replied, "Keep going. Let's show Jasper Russell exactly how refined you really are."

Margot froze instantly, eyes wide. Her threats died in her throat, replaced by a scorching glare. "You wouldn't dare!"

Switching tactics, Margot theatrically leaned against Esme, feigning vulnerability. "Esme, please protect me. We'll be family soon-you have to defend me."

She emphasized "family" deliberately, aiming to needle Evelina.

Tenderly, Esme stroked Margot's hair as if comforting a child. "It's alright. Nobody will harm you as long as I'm here."

Evelina scoffed sharply, "Where are Demi and Elora Gibson? Since when do outsiders dictate rules in this house?"

Esme's expression turned rigid.

This wasn't the gentle Evelina they all expected. How had she developed such an unexpectedly sharp tongue?

Margot quickly retorted, "Who's the outsider? You're the one who doesn't belong here!" Turning to Cary, she said, "Did you hear what she said to Esme? You can't let her bully us like that!"

With practiced grace, Esme sighed softly. "It's okay. Evelina didn't have parents to teach her manners-it's not her fault. Cary, please don't blame her."

Evelina rolled her eyes, clearly irritated by Esme's implication.

Yet Cary saw none of Evelina's frustration. In his eyes, Esme's gentle tolerance only amplified her perfection.

Stepping protectively toward Esme, Cary embraced her tenderly before turning coldly to Evelina. His voice was cutting, saying, "If you think causing trouble will win you points, you're mistaken. It's pathetic. Apologize to Esme right now."