Alexander's expression darkened instantly.

Annoyance was clear on his face.

"What is Margaret doing here?" he demanded, his voice low and tense.

The Blackwood family rarely visited Serenity Oaks.

Their sudden appearance was suspicious.

Considering Harrison's recent imprisonment, Margaret's resentment towards him would only have grown.

She was definitely here with an ulterior motive.

Alexander made a quick decision.

"Send her away. We are not receiving visitors today," he instructed Samuel, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Samuel hesitated, looking uncomfortable.

"Sir," he added cautiously, "she mentioned it concerns your grandmother, Eleanor."

At the name, Alexander's frown deepened.

He looked conflicted.

Evelyn, watching him, remembered that Eleanor had been receiving medical treatment abroad for years.

"Has something happened to Eleanor?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Maybe we should hear what she has to say."

She tried to reassure him.

"Don't worry. She wouldn't dare try anything with both of us here," Evelyn said softly, meeting his gaze.

She understood his deep-seated distrust of Margaret and Harrison, a result of their past schemes.

Alexander squeezed her hand gently.

"Thank you, Evelyn."

Evelyn smiled warmly.

"Your grandmother is my family too. I care about her deeply."

His features softened at her words.

He gave a slow nod and turned back to Samuel.

"Let her in."

Margaret arrived shortly, holding something in her hands.

Evelyn immediately noticed the change in her demeanor.

The usual arrogance was gone, replaced by a subdued and almost pleading posture.

"Alexander, Evelyn, you're still having breakfast? I hope I'm not interrupting?" Margaret offered a tentative smile, her voice cautious.

Evelyn remained silent, observing.

Alexander responded with cool detachment.

"Margaret, state your business."

Margaret's smile tightened, becoming strained.

She struggled to maintain her composure.

Finally, she spoke with forced cheerfulness.

"Actually, I've come to apologize to you, Evelyn."

Evelyn blinked in surprise.

She looked at Margaret with confusion and curiosity.

An apology was the last thing she expected.

Margaret continued, her voice thick with emotion.

"I failed as a mother. My son's actions are a reflection of that failure. Perhaps his time in prison will give him a chance to reflect and change."

She paused, her eyes searching Evelyn's face.

She presented the gift she was holding.

"Evelyn, I brought you something," she said, her tone hopeful.

"I am truly sorry. I sincerely hope you will accept this as a token of my remorse."

Evelyn's response was immediate and firm.

"No, thank you."

The incident felt like a distant memory.

This sudden apology seemed like a transparent attempt to clear her own conscience.

If Margaret hadn't mentioned it, Evelyn would have been content to forget it entirely.

Unfazed, Margaret smiled warmly and revealed her gift.

"It's the latest model from a renowned designer," she remarked, pulling a sleek handbag from her tote.

"I'm sure it will suit your style."

She knew such luxury items were coveted.

She hoped the bag would weaken Evelyn's resolve.

Assuming Evelyn, with her humble background, had never owned anything so fine, Margaret believed this gift would be a first for her.

As expected, Evelyn's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the designer handbag.

A flicker of surprise crossed her features.