6
In the next few days, Evelyn barely left the room except when she was hungry.
She hoped the cooling-off period would be over soon, so it wouldn’t hurt so much to see Reuben and their sons trying so hard to please Addison.
Addison’s birthday came.
Reuben planned to throw a big party, but Addison refused, “Let’s keep it simple and celebrate at home!”
Wes immediately agreed, “Perfect. I don’t like those ass-kissers anyway. It’s way better just being with family!”
On Addison’s birthday, the villa was decorated in a luxurious and warm style.
The servants bustled around, while Reuben personally put a birthday hat on Addison’s head.
“Make a wish,” he crooned, his eyes gentle.
Addison crossed her fingers and closed her eyes in the soft glow of candles.
After blowing out the candles, Reuben and his sons brought the gifts.
Reuben gifted her a set of antique jewelry.
Wes offered the key to a limited-edition sports car.
And Nolan topped it off with the property deed to a private island.
Addison was so touched that tears welled up in her eyes.
“Thank you, guys.”
She looked at Evelyn, who had been quiet the whole time, and smiled sweetly.
“Evelyn, what gift do you have for me?”
All eyes turned to her.
Evelyn met Addison’s eager eyes and said calmly, “I didn’t have a gift.”
She didn’t want to prepare, nor did she care to.
Wes’ face darkened.
“Mom! How could you do this? You knew today was Addy’s birthday!”
Nolan pouted.
“You have no sense of propriety!”
The boys exchanged a look.
Wes’ eyes suddenly sparkled.
“Nolan, doesn’t mom already get a lot of nice things from dad? Let’s pick one to give Addy!”
Nolan nodded.
“Good idea!”
Before Evelyn could react, the boys had already run upstairs and headed straight to her bedroom.
“Wait!” Evelyn blanched.
Ignoring the pain from her unhealed leg, she limped after them.
When she opened the door, she saw the boys rummaging through her things.
The jewelry box was tipped over on the floor, and items from the drawers were scattered everywhere.
“Here it is!”
Wes grinned as he held up a silver necklace with a delicate moon pendant.
This one looks pretty!”
Evelyn’s eyes narrowed.
That was the last gift Eddie gave her before he was murdered.
“No!” She swooped down, trying to snatch it back.
“Uncle Eddie gave that to me!”
Wes swiftly dodged.
“It’s just a necklace. Can’t you just ask Uncle Eddie to buy you another one?”
Evelyn hissed, “He’s already dead!”
Nolan curled his lip impatiently and scoffed, “Stop lying! That was just a dummy! Real Uncle Eddie is out on a trip! He said he would bring me a present!”
Nolan leaned on the railing and shouted downstairs,”Addy! We found the gift! You’re definitely going to like it!”
Evelyn reached for the necklace, but Wes suddenly pushed her and said, “Don’t be so petty!”
“Ahh!”
Evelyn slipped and tumbled down the stairs!
With a heavy thud, the back of her head slammed onto the stairs.
Blood instantly gushed from the side of her forehead.
She lay in a pool of blood, her vision blurred, and a buzzing filled her ears.
“Mom!” Wes and Nolan were scared and quickly ran downstairs.
Wes’ voice was shaking.
“I didn’t mean to push you. It’s your fault that you tried to take the necklace.”
Nolan started crying.
“Mom, you’re bleeding.”
Reuben heard the noise and rushed over.
When he saw this, his face clouded over.
“What happened?”
