Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 197

Sham Marriage Quit, Real Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 197 Closed Doors

Finished

“And over the years,” Evelyn continued, her tone steady, “her living expenses and her education in Eldoria were all covered by our family. Alexander has done what he could as well.”

She let the words settle before adding, “If anything, Zoe, your side hasn’t done much. You were close with her mother, weren’t you? Maybe you could bring her to Astryn for a while. It’s been developing well, and I imagine she’d enjoy it there.”

Zoe’s expression stiffened as the implication became clear.

She had come here to advocate for Fiona, not to take responsibility for her future. There was no possibility that her family would bring Fiona into their home.

At that point, she could no longer remain seated.

“I was only making a suggestion,” Zoe said, forcing a polite smile that felt more like a formality than sincerity. “Since you’re about to have dinner, I won’t keep you any longer.”

Evelyn replied, “You’re welcome to stay.”

“I have plans this evening,” Zoe said. “Another time. Walter, I’ll come visit again soon.”

Walter nodded with a warm smile and instructed someone to see her out.

Once she left, the tension in the room gradually dissipated. The family moved to the dining room.

Elena sat beside Alexander, quietly observing him throughout the meal. What struck her most was how composed he remained, as though none of the earlier conversation had affected him in the slightest. Not once did he show irritation or impatience. Instead, he reached for a crab, skillfully cracking the shell and carefully extracting the meat before placing it neatly onto her plate.

Elena accepted it without hesitation.

Whether his actions were genuine or simply part of maintaining appearances didn’t matter. In front of Walter, they both understood the expectations placed on them.

They played their roles flawlessly.

After dinner, Walter, as usual, asked them to stay the night.

They were assigned to the same room.

Elena agreed.

Alexander stayed behind with Simon and Caleb to discuss business matters, while Elena was called into a sitting room by Evelyn.

Evelyn poured her a cup of chamomile tea, the subtle floral scent rising with the steam. “You should take better care of yourself,” she said, her gaze sweeping over Elena with quiet scrutiny. “I know work is important, but not at the expense of your appearance.”

12:16 pm P PPP.

Chapter 197 Closed Doors

Elena instinctively touched her face.

My dark circles really have been getting worse lately.

“This one helps reduce puffiness,” Evelyn added.

“Thank you, Mom.”

Elena accepted the drink without hesitation and took a sip.

Finished

“I might sign you up for a few things one of these days,” Evelyn said. “Maybe an art class, something like watercolor or pottery. Yoga or swimming wouldn’t hurt either.”

Elena nearly choked on her drink. “I think I’ll pass, Mom.”

She understood exactly what Evelyn was trying to do, shaping her into a refined, high–society daughter–in- law. It simply wasn’t who she was.

Evelyn didn’t insist. “Suit yourself.”

She set her cup down and looked at Elena more closely. “You handled yourself well earlier. Redirecting the conversation like that isn’t something most people can do so cleanly.”

There was no irritation in her tone, only a measured acknowledgment.

Elena blinked, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. “Zoe isn’t exactly someone I can push back on directly, so I had to shift the pressure somewhere.”

Evelyn didn’t mind being that “somewhere,” especially given how inappropriate Zoe’s behavior had been. “Don’t take what she said to heart,” Evelyn said. “There’s nothing between her and Alexander. And once he decides to send someone away, he doesn’t change his mind easily.”

Elena lowered her gaze to the cup in her hands. “Mom… there’s something I don’t understand.”

Evelyn looked at her. “What is it?”

Elena hesitated briefly before asking, “Why did Alexander marry me? Is it really just because of his health?” Evelyn fell silent, clearly not expecting such a direct question.

After a moment, she smiled faintly. “That’s something you should ask him. To be honest, I wasn’t happy about it either. No mother wants her son marrying a woman who has already been married, at least in name.”

She paused before continuing, “I only found out about that will the day before you did. I never approved of it. The Kingsley family doesn’t need your father’s inheritance. But Walter and Alexander both insisted on honoring it.”

Elena said nothing.

Even after leaving the room, her mind remained unsettled.

12:16 pm P PPP.

Chapter 197 Closed Doors

When she returned to the bedroom, Alexander was already there.

Finished

He had just finished showering, dressed in a black robe, his damp hair giving him a composed, restrained air that made him difficult to read.

A faint warmth crept up Elena’s ears, and she quickly looked away. “I’m going to shower.”

She slipped into the bathroom, as though putting distance between them might quiet her thoughts.

The bath helped ease some of the tension in her body, but her mind remained tangled.

After a while, she stepped out of the tub and immediately froze. She had forgotten to bring clean clothes.

She glanced around, hoping to find a towel, but there was nothing. It was clear the room hadn’t been fully prepared, likely because they rarely stayed here.

She hesitated for a long moment.

Do I really have to put my dirty clothes back on?

Before she could decide, the bathroom door suddenly opened. Alexander stood in the doorway.

Elena startled, instinctively covering herself. “Why would you just walk in like that?”

Alexander said, “You were in here a while. I thought something might’ve happened.”

Elena stiffened slightly, her heart beating faster.

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