Marsha had been a quiet soul, never venturing far from home, gentle and courteous even to the servants. Learning that her accident occurred immediately after she had tried on her wedding gown at a renowned boutique solidified Seraphina's suspicion that Marsha's death was no simple misfortune.
As soon as Gabriel had abandoned her at the altar, Seraphina had secretly contacted a fellow bounty hunter, a trusted associate, to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. In a discreet, shadowed corner away from prying eyes, she received the report.
"Captain, the car Miss Marsha was driving was the latest model with top tier security, a birthday gift selected personally by Jack Kingsley," her associate relayed in a hushed tone.
"Captain, your suspicions were correct. We obtained CCTV footage showing an individual sabotaging the vehicle your sister used."
"Upon further investigation, the perpetrator is a hired thug regularly employed by HK Group."
"HK Group is a construction company that has seen rapid growth over the past two years. It is owned by a couple named Richie and Naomi, and their only child is named Evelyn."
Seraphina and her team had not yet confirmed if the hired hand was a mere employee or acted on direct orders from the owners, as Albert had hurriedly whisked her away to the Kingsley estate. However, upon hearing from the mansion staff that Gabriel had a secret wife whose name coincidentally matched the HK Group heir, Seraphina's suspicion crystallized. Evelyn was likely the mastermind behind the 'accident' that claimed Marsha's life. This was precisely why Seraphina desired a closer acquaintance with her.
"Madam Evelyn resides in the North Wing, Miss. Though, it seems rather late for a visit," Albert stated, watching her carefully.
Seraphina offered a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "You're quite right."
That smile made Albert feel a twinge of unease.
---
Meanwhile, in the opulent North Wing of the Kingsley mansion...
"Which nightgown will you wear tonight, Madam?" a maid asked, opening one of the many cabinets within Evelyn's expansive walk in closet, a section dedicated to delicate sleepwear.
Evelyn, a graceful woman lounging on a plush divan, narrowed her eyes appraisingly before pointing a manicured finger. "The red one. The crimson will make me look... feverish with passion." Her eyes sparkled with calculated intent.
"Forgive me, Madam, but the Master dislikes the color red," the maid murmured apologetically.
Evelyn's face clouded instantly. It was a secret she dared not voice: throughout her seemingly happy marriage, she had lived perpetually in the shadow of Gabriel's deceased lover. She recalled when Gabriel first sent stylists to mold her—to dress her in Valerie's favored florals, style her hair in Valerie's signature waves, and dye her natural black hair to match Valerie's honey gold. Not a single inch of her true self was allowed to surface. To please Gabriel, she had complied, though a quiet resentment sometimes coiled in her chest. "Very well. I shall wear the black."
"An excellent choice, Madam. The Master will approve."
Evelyn nodded, her earlier enthusiasm dampened into passive acceptance.
"Madam, it's serious!" Kate, Evelyn's loyal personal maid, hurried into the room. Evelyn, now draped in a silk kimono, her skin still damp and scented with Gabriel's favorite cologne, raised a hand to halt the maid fussing with her hair.
The other maid understood the dismissal, bowing respectfully before scurrying from the chamber.
"Speak," Evelyn commanded, her gaze sharp.
"Madam, rumors are spreading throughout the mansion today. They say... they say your marriage to Mr. Gabriel is not legally recognized." Kate's voice was a tense whisper.
"What?! Who dares to spread such baseless lies?!"
"Mr. Gabriel's new wife, Madam."
"That insolent wretch! How dare she spread slander about me! Does she not know I am Gabriel's chosen one?!" Evelyn's voice rose, sharp with fury.
The door was shoved open roughly. Paul, Evelyn's cousin and most zealous supporter, strode in. He had remained at the estate, ever vigilant. "Eve, it seems the woman has lost all sense, spreading unfounded rumors to soothe her own wounded pride after being humiliated at the altar," Paul said, his expression dark with anger. He was always the first to plot against anyone who slighted his cousin. "She must be desperate, entertaining herself with petty gossip."
"Paul, you are right. I am Gabriel's legitimate wife! I should throw these filthy rumors back in her face! She is the one in an illegitimate position, not I!" Evelyn declared, but her bravado faltered midway. She suddenly fell silent, a wave of nervousness visibly washing over her.
Paul frowned, confused by her reaction. "Eve, what is wrong?"
Evelyn did not answer. Instead, she sank onto her vanity stool, one hand rising to pinch the bridge of her nose.
"Eve! Are you unwell?" Paul panicked, touching her arm.
Her body was fine, but her mind was besieged. "I will fetch some warm water for Madam!" Kate exclaimed, swiftly exiting the room.
"I will call a physician," Paul stated, turning to leave, but Evelyn's hand shot out to stop him.
"Paul, wait. I... I am suddenly afraid."
Paul knelt before her, his face a mask of concern. "Eve, what frightens you? Is it just this wretched rumor? Do not worry. I will handle it for you."
Evelyn's eyes grew moist, her face pale. "Paul... what if... what if the rumor is not merely a rumor? What if it is the truth?"
Paul stared, uncomprehending. "Eve, what do you mean? You have been Gabriel's lawful wife for two years. Why would you doubt that?"
Shaking her head in frustration, Evelyn buried her face in her hands, her dyed golden hair falling like a curtain. "Paul, Gabriel never registered our marriage. There is no legal document."
"What?" This time, pallor washed over Paul's face as well. He had always sensed something amiss beneath the surface of his cousin's seemingly perfect union. While Gabriel appeared devoted, he maintained firm boundaries around Evelyn. Paul had assumed it was for protection, but now a chilling possibility dawned. His meticulously planned elimination of Marsha, meant to secure Evelyn's position, suddenly felt fragile. If Evelyn had no legal standing, her position was precarious indeed.
"Eve, you must stay calm," Paul said, grasping her hands to steady them. "Speak to Gabriel about this. I am certain he will listen to you. You are his favorite, remember?"
"But, Paul, I am terrified to ask him!"
"Eve, leave the rest to me. Let me deal with the new wife. Do not worry. I have heard she is merely a sheltered girl, skilled only in domestic arts. She will be no match for me," Paul assured her, his voice dripping with cold resolve.
Evelyn released a long, shuddering sigh, but her tears and anxiety did not fully subside. Even with Paul's promise, a deep seated dread took root. Yet, a small, desperate hope remained. Gabriel did not desire Marsha. That was a positive sign, was it not? What, then, did she truly have to fear?
"You are right, Paul. After all, my husband holds no affection for that bitch. My task is simply to maintain his affection as it is." Evelyn attempted to steel herself.
Paul smiled, relieved to see her thinking clearly again.
At that moment, the door to Evelyn's chamber burst open once more. Kate stood there, breathless, her face etched with panic. "Madam, it is urgent!"
Evelyn closed her eyes. Ever since Marsha's shadow entered this house, her peace had been shattered. "What is it now?" she asked, her voice weary.
"Mr. Gabriel... he is heading for the new wife's chamber!"
"What?!" Evelyn shot to her feet, her anger exploding anew. "Why would my husband go to that creature's room?!"
"I do not know, Madam. Perhaps to... to perform his... marital duty. It is their first night." Kate's words were barely a whisper.
Evelyn felt the world tilt, a cold vise gripping her heart. The very scenario she had dismissed as impossible now seemed terrifyingly real.