Rebecca mentioned Julian Blackwood again.

Evelyn's expression darkened instantly.

Perhaps she had been too lenient with Rebecca.

Why couldn't Rebecca just keep her mouth shut?

Alexander Blackwood gave a faint, derisive smile. His tone was utterly dismissive. "Are you referring to Julian Blackwood? I'd nearly forgotten that scoundrel existed. He caused my wife immense suffering. He isn't fit to be called her ex-boyfriend, and he certainly doesn't warrant a moment of my consideration."

Rebecca, however, was stubborn. She pressed on. "You clearly care for Evelyn a great deal. But I've heard you only married six months ago. Do you even know her real birthday? Do you remember your wedding anniversary?"

Alexander didn't even look at her. His reply was cool and measured. "Evelyn grew up in an orphanage. All the children shared a single designated birthday."

He stated a specific date. "We've decided to celebrate that day together from now on. And as for our anniversary," he continued, reciting several precise dates without hesitation, "of course I remember."

Lucas Bennett made a dismissive gesture. "That's enough, Rebecca. Sit down. These questions are pointless."

Rebecca was speechless. Humiliation burned her cheeks as she slowly sank back into her chair.

A hush fell over the room. All eyes were on Alexander as he attended to Evelyn with effortless, ingrained care.

He signaled a waiter. "Excuse me. My wife has a sensitive stomach. Could we replace this dish with something lighter? Thank you."

He then offered Evelyn his own plate of steak, already neatly cut. "Here, my dear. Have mine."

He gently suggested, "Perhaps less wine. Try some juice instead. This is your favorite flavor."

Evelyn remained composed, her calm demeanor showing that such thoughtful gestures from Alexander were entirely normal for them.

Amid the quiet, murmurs began to spread through the gathered guests.

"Evelyn's husband is truly remarkable," one person whispered.

"It's rare to find a man so attentive," another agreed.

"I'm so envious of Evelyn. I wish I had a man who treated me like that," a third voice admitted.

"And what does it matter if he uses a wheelchair? I've known plenty of men who could walk but were utterly worthless," a fourth person commented pointedly.

Gradually, the whispered admiration grew into open praise for Alexander.

"Mr. Blackwood, you're so good to Evelyn. She's truly blessed to have you," someone called out.

"I don't understand it," another person mused, casting a sidelong glance at Rebecca. "Why does someone constantly try to undermine Evelyn, suggesting she can't be happy?"

Rebecca was seething. Her plan to embarrass Evelyn had backfired spectacularly. She had only succeeded in humiliating herself and making Evelyn look even better.

Overcome with fury, she suddenly exploded, "Enough with this performance! What is the point of this charade? Just days ago, all of you were mocking Evelyn for marrying a man in a wheelchair! And now you're heaping praise on him? Have you no shame?"