Evelyn immediately grasped Margaret's true intentions.

As predicted, Margaret paused before speaking. "Evelyn, I was hoping you might assist me? You are, after all, Eleanor's granddaughter-in-law."

Evelyn was prepared to consent instantly. It seemed her duty as part of the family to help with something for Alexander's grandmother.

But Alexander cut in firmly before she could reply. "Evelyn hasn't been well lately. Her workload is overwhelming. She has no spare time."

He continued, disregarding the annoyance spreading across Margaret's face. "If you require assistance, you should ask some of the long-serving staff from Grandma's household. They understand her tastes perfectly."

Evelyn's eyes flickered, her mind a whirlwind.

She knew Alexander was shielding her from taking on too much.

Yet, Eleanor had always shown Alexander the greatest kindness within the Blackwood family. Evelyn could not overlook that. She felt compelled to make an effort for Eleanor's sake.

Wordlessly, Evelyn reached for Alexander's hand. Her touch was gentle. "Allow me to handle this," she whispered.

Alexander looked into her eyes. He saw her resolve instantly. It was unmistakable.

He hesitated briefly. A soft sigh escaped him. His expression relaxed. "Very well," he conceded, his tone laced with clear reluctance.

Alexander understood Evelyn completely. He knew that, despite his protectiveness, her generous heart would never refuse a chance to help Eleanor.

But his concern for her remained undiminished.

"Take some assistants with you," Alexander instructed, his voice calm yet firm. "They can provide support. And if anyone causes difficulties, deal with them decisively."

His words were both guidance and a silent warning to Margaret, whose authority he plainly did not acknowledge.

Margaret, visibly angered but unable to protest openly, made a swift departure from Serenity Oaks. She knew she had lost any advantage in the discussion.

A palpable tension lingered after she left. Her mind was already calculating her next strategy.

The moment Margaret entered her car, her composure shattered. She fumed quietly. "That insolent Alexander! We have been far too tolerant. Now he dares to oppose me? If he persists, he will have only himself to blame when I cease playing nicely!"

A cold, scheming expression settled on her features. Her carefully laid plans rose to the surface of her thoughts.

With Margaret gone, Evelyn felt a slight easing of pressure. It was as if a weight had been lifted.

Even though she was fully aware of the intrigues surrounding her, maintaining complete composure was challenging.

With Eleanor's birthday approaching rapidly, a sense of foreboding began to grow within Evelyn.

"Alexander," Evelyn began, a note of concern in her voice. "Once Eleanor returns home, shouldn't we go see her?"

She couldn't bear the thought of waiting until the birthday celebration for their first meeting.

"Naturally," Alexander replied. "I will take you to visit Grandma the moment I confirm her return."

After a moment, he added reassuringly, "There is no need for concern. Grandma resides separately from the rest of the family."

Evelyn nodded, though a thread of anxiety persisted. "I can't help but worry... Do you think Eleanor will accept me?"

An idea suddenly occurred to her. She took Alexander's hands in hers. "Tell me, what sort of woman does your grandmother favor?"