The mention of Evelyn's husband sent an immediate chill through the group chat.

An uncomfortable silence hung in the digital air.

Everyone knew Evelyn was married to Alexander Blackwood, the eldest son of the prestigious Blackwood family. The whispers about Alexander's disability were common knowledge.

The rumor mill churned with judgment, labeling a marriage to a disabled man as sheer insanity.

The unspoken consensus was that Evelyn was a gold digger, after the Blackwood fortune.

Beneath the polite surface, disdain for her choice festered, though no one dared voice it openly.

Who would be foolish enough to provoke a Blackwood?

Evelyn's expression hardened, a subtle frown creasing her brow as she sensed the deliberate provocation.

Her eyes landed on the sender's name—Rebecca Thornton, a college classmate who had always held a grudge.

True to form, Rebecca tagged Evelyn directly.

"Evelyn, just a reminder for the reunion this weekend—partners are encouraged to attend. Will Alexander be joining us?"

A moment later, she added a faux-apologetic follow-up.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Alexander uses a wheelchair, doesn't he? Such a shame he probably can't make it. You must be so busy caring for him. As old friends, shall I recommend a good specialist for him?"

A dark shadow crossed Evelyn's face as she read the messages.

She seethed at the thinly veiled mockery. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, her reply sharp and swift.

"Thank you for your concern, but it's unnecessary. If you're so eager to recommend doctors, perhaps a psychiatrist would be more suitable for you—someone to address that chronic gossiping habit you've had since university."

Rebecca's furious reply was instantaneous. "Evelyn! What are you implying? Are you saying there's something wrong with my mind?"

Evelyn smirked coldly. "I said nothing of the sort. But you seem very quick to confess. If there is a problem, seeking help is advisable."

Rebecca, boiling with rage, typed back. "How dare you speak to me like that!"

Evelyn remained perfectly calm. "Just showing concern for an old classmate. Or did I hit a nerve? Is there actually a problem?"

Rebecca was so agitated her typing was frantic. "Evelyn! You...!"

Lucas Bennett, sensing the escalating drama, intervened. "Rebecca, let it go. We're all here to reconnect after years. Let's keep things pleasant for the reunion."

Rebecca relented with a resentful sigh. "Fine. For the sake of old times and Lucas, I'll drop it."

Evelyn shifted the topic. "Speaking of which, I was just checking the member list. Isn't Amelia Clarke in the group yet?"

Lucas scratched his head. "No, she hasn't accepted my invitation. Probably busy with other things."

Before Evelyn could respond, Rebecca interjected with another sly comment. "Weren't you and Amelia inseparable in college? It's surprising you've lost touch. Don't you know anything about her situation now?"

Evelyn's irritation flared. Did Rebecca have to stick her nose into everything?

"People get busy with life. Losing touch is normal. Is that so difficult to comprehend?" Evelyn retorted.

Rebecca's next words made Evelyn's scowl deepen.

"Really, Evelyn, it's like you're completely in the dark about what's happened to Amelia, isn't it?"