“Evelyn, you didn’t mention you had a child,” she said, her voice laced with a curious mix of accusation and forced cordiality.

I smiled, a calm, collected smile that spoke volumes. “I didn’t think it was necessary. After all, you made it clear I wasn’t part of your family anymore.”

The crowd around us was visibly intrigued, their murmured conversations a low hum beneath the ornate chandeliers. Margaret, always one to maintain appearances, gestured grandly toward the crowd.

“Well,” she said, her voice regaining its usual commanding tone, “let’s not let this surprise interrupt the celebration. Please, join us.”

With that, the evening resumed its glittering course, but the ripple of shock and curiosity followed us wherever we went. I could feel eyes on us—on Alex—every time we moved through the room.