On the second floor of the banquet, James Lockwood was sitting in the reception room. When he saw Evelyn Morgan, the coldness in his eyes became even more intense.

Evelyn opened her mouth, wanting to greet him, but didn’t know how to address him.

After all, it was because of this man in front of her that Caden Lockwood had intermittent headaches.

Evelyn held resentment towards James Lockwood, and her gaze towards him became more vigilant.

"This is the first banquet you’re attending under the name of ’Mrs. Lockwood.’" James paused before continuing, "How do you think you performed today?"

"Quite well!" Evelyn replied with a slight smile.

"Do you think that just because you secured a business deal today, you’re satisfied?" James’s tone was harsh. "Evelyn, do you think that in your long life, you’ll have luck like tonight’s more than a few times? If that wasn’t Mrs. Jassion, but just someone who makes cakes, what would you have done?"

Listening to James’s words, Evelyn could clearly feel his dissatisfaction with her.

"I didn’t do it because I knew beforehand what Aunt Stone’s identity was." Evelyn spoke softly, "To me, she seemed like a very ordinary person. But Hannah Clayton, being arrogant because her family has money, would be put in her place sooner or later."

Without waiting for James to speak, Evelyn continued, "But, when I think about handling things my way and unknowingly meeting someone influential, I’m happy!"

James’s expression shifted, "Happy?"

"Yes!" Evelyn nodded, her eyes filled with sincerity.

"..."

"In fact, when Hannah Clayton’s father was aggressive towards me, I was quite scared, feeling that I had done something wrong and caused trouble for the Lockwood Family." Evelyn took a deep breath and continued, "But now that I think about it, I didn’t do anything wrong. If I changed my way of doing things out of fear, flattering and ingratiating myself with you, that would truly be a loss."

"You still believe you did nothing wrong?" James squeezed out the words through his teeth.

"I won’t change into a sycophant just to fit in. If you find this kind of person unsatisfactory, then I’m just sorry." Evelyn lowered her voice, "But actually, I have many grievances about you as well."

"Me?" James’s face was dark. "Evelyn, do you know what you’re saying?"

"Caden is your son, whether you like him or not. At the very least, you shouldn’t abuse him like that!" Evelyn said irritably, "He’s so young, just a child, yet you poisoned him? Now seeing him with lingering headaches, as his father, don’t you feel even a little heartache?"

A flicker of something passed through James’s eyes, "He even told you about that?"

"Regardless of how you feel about him now, please don’t harm him again!" Evelyn said coldly, "Perhaps I don’t have the power to harm you, but as Caden Lockwood’s wife, I officially declare to you that I will use all my power to protect him, because he does the same for me."

Thinking of what Caden once said, to strike first and let him clean up the mess afterwards, Evelyn felt exceptionally touched.

That high and mighty man, as long as he was there, she wouldn’t be bullied.

But, she thought he seemed so tired supporting it all by himself.

She hoped he could rest occasionally, hoped she could become someone he could rely on.