**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 52: Evil Intentions**
[Evelyn’s POV]
Who on earth does he think he is?!
It took every ounce of self-control I possessed to keep from tearing Liam to shreds. My heart raced with all the things I longed to unleash upon him, but what was the point?
If I had lingered to absorb more of his absurd comments about Alexander and our relationship, I would have undoubtedly lost my cool. I had spent the majority of my trip maintaining a facade of calm and grace—allowing my emotions to erupt now would have felt like a betrayal to the progress I had made.
Yet, my goodness, there were a million things I yearned to hurl at him. I wanted to confront him about the anguish and emotional turmoil he had inflicted upon me. I wanted to remind him, with a bitter satisfaction, that he had chosen the wrong sister and now had to face the repercussions of that decision.
But really, what would it change?
It wasn’t as if any of my words could rewrite our history. In truth, I had moved on from our past the moment I realized that Alexander and I shared a genuine connection. I was ready to release the painful memories of all the time and effort I had squandered in that relationship—time I could never reclaim.
What I truly didn’t need was a constant reminder of the life I had once led. I believed I was finally thriving, surrounded by people who valued and appreciated me for who I was.
As I stepped into Edward’s room, much of the tension that had been coiling within me began to dissipate. The moment my eyes landed on him, a wave of relief washed over me, igniting a spark of hope deep within my chest.
He looked so much healthier than before. The pallor that had haunted his face and the dark circles that had shadowed his eyes had faded significantly. Even his hair appeared thicker and more vibrant. I was nearly overwhelmed with emotion as I took his hand in mine, feeling its warmth radiate against my skin.
Now that I was alone with him, I could finally drop the mask I had been wearing. I could finally be myself. I gently squeezed his hand, drawing strength from our connection as I began to share the latest happenings in my life with Alexander.
This time, unlike the last when I had confided in Edward, I was filled not with dread but with a buoyant, almost effervescent excitement.
“I just wanted to stop by and see how you’ve been. I’m so relieved to see you looking so much better. And please, don’t worry about me,” I said, my voice bubbling with sincerity.
Before I departed, I made sure to commend the staff for their excellent care of Edward and instructed them to keep me updated on any changes in his condition.
The remainder of my trip proceeded with minimal issues after I had demonstrated my newfound ability to navigate formal dinner gatherings with poise. Neither Samantha nor Isabella attempted to pull off another embarrassing stunt against me, and remarkably, my father had refrained from approaching me again with that newfound concern he had been displaying.
Strangely enough, I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I returned to Kingston Hall. I had accomplished what I needed to do, and now I was back in a place of peace.
“Evelyn!”
I turned to see Nina approaching, her face lit up with a bright, hopeful smile. She hurried toward me, eager to hear how my visit had gone.
We made our way to the kitchens, where Wendy awaited us, a knowing smile gracing her lips as she prepared a fresh pot of tea.
“Well, don’t leave us in suspense,” the older woman urged, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “Tell us everything!”
“You were absolutely right to suspect that my stepmother was up to something nefarious,” I explained, feeling the adrenaline of the encounter surge through me again. “She and Samantha had schemed to throw this outrageous dinner party, inviting all of my former pack’s closest friends.”
“Ah, so she was hoping to humiliate you just like at the Luna gathering,” Wendy replied, her tone laced with understanding.
“Exactly. But judging by their horrified expressions, I didn’t give them the satisfaction they were so desperately seeking.”

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