BENEATH THE SURFACE”

The air outside was heavy with the promise of a storm, the kind of evening that made the world feel smaller, more confined. Evelyn had been meaning to visit Caleb for weeks now, but her life—full of uncertainty and tension—had kept her away. Today, however, she couldn't ignore the pull to see him. She needed a break from the heavy atmosphere at home, where the silence between her and Adrian had become suffocating.

Evelyn pushed open the door to the living room, where Caleb sat, scrolling through his phone. He looked up, offering her a grin.

"Hey, Evelyn! Good to see you." His voice was warm, a stark contrast to the icy silence that often filled their family gatherings

"Eve!" he said, pulling her into a hug. "It's been way too long."

"I know," Evelyn replied, giving him a soft smile. "I've been… busy."

Caleb raised an eyebrow, knowing that "busy" wasn't exactly the full truth. But he didn't press her. Instead, he gestured toward the living room, where the fire crackled warmly in the hearth. "Come in. It's good to have you here."

She stepped inside, the warmth of the room a welcome contrast to the storm raging outside. They sat on the plush sofa, the conversation drifting from lighthearted topics to more personal matters. Caleb was easy to talk to—he always had been. But today, something was different. There was an edge in her voice that he couldn't ignore.

"Is everything alright, Eve?" he asked after a long silence, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've been a little off lately. And from what I hear… things aren't exactly great between you and Adrian."

Evelyn flinched, the mention of Adrian's name always bringing a wave of emotion she couldn't easily suppress. "Things have… been difficult," she said, trying to keep her tone neutral. "We've had some distance. I think we're just… figuring things out."

Caleb studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I get it. But if you ever need someone to talk to… I'm here."

"Hey, Caleb ,I appreciate your concern."Her eyes instinctively darted to the other side of the room where MIranda stood,her posture poised,as always .The woman exuded authority with a smile that never quite reached her eyes.

Miranda tilted her head slightly as Evelyn looked at her. "What a pleasant surprise," she said, her voice smooth but carrying an edge of something Evelyn couldn't quite place.

"Just thought I'd check in on Caleb," Evelyn responded, her tone casual, through her eyes narrowed just a fraction.

Miranda gave her a small, knowing smile. "How thoughtful of you. But I'm sure Caleb can take care of himself, can't you, dear?" She turned to Caleb, who looked between the two women, clearly uncomfortable but not wanting to get involved in their quiet, ever-present battle.

"Yeah, I'm good. It's just… well, you know. Nothing too important." Caleb's attempt to defuse the tension fell flat.

Evelyn stayed silent for a moment, her eyes lingering on Miranda, sensing the calculated calm in her stepmother's gaze. There was something unsettling about it—something behind her gaze that told Evelyn this wasn't just a casual visit.

Miranda's smile widened slightly as she turned to Evelyn. "I understand you've been busy, Evelyn. I heard a little rumor about the gala coming up." Her words were laced with something sharp, but Evelyn didn't take the bait.

"I'm sure you've heard a lot of rumors," Evelyn responded, her tone just as calm. "I haven't decided if I'm attending yet."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll go," Miranda pressed, her voice as smooth as honey. "Adrian will probably insist, won't he? He's always been quite the showman."

The mention of Adrian caused a flicker in Evelyn's chest, a mix of frustration and confusion. She was still processing everything that had happened in the last few days. Adrian's distance, his avoidance, and now, the mysterious invitation that Isabella Sterling had sent her.

"You know," Miranda continued, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, "I would never have imagined you would still be trying to chase after someone who has no interest in you."

Evelyn's stomach tightened. The barb hit its mark. She stood frozen for a moment, her gaze locked with Miranda's. It was subtle, but the woman was playing her game—again.

"What exactly do you mean?" Evelyn asked, her voice steady but betraying a hint of sharpness.

Miranda simply smiled, her lips curling in a way that was almost too calculated. "Nothing at all, dear. Just a piece of friendly advice. Maybe you should focus on yourself instead of looking for approval from someone who… clearly has no slightest love for you."

Evelyn inhaled deeply, trying to hold back the tide of anger threatening to break through. She turned away from Miranda, focusing on Caleb, who had been eerily quiet during their exchange.

"Caleb, would you mind if I have a word with you for a moment?" Evelyn asked, forcing a smile.

"Sure, sis," Caleb said, standing up from his chair and following her to the other room, leaving Miranda alone in the living room. As soon as they were out of earshot, Evelyn turned to him, her expression softening.

"I didn't come here to argue," she said quietly, her voice filled with a mixture of exasperation and hurt. "But Miranda… she's been getting under my skin. She always has."

Caleb looked at her with a frown. "I know. I've seen it. But you've always been the stronger one. Don't let her get to you."

Evelyn's eyes flickered with frustration, her hands resting on her hips. "I just don't get it, Caleb. Why does she always have to act like I'm beneath her?"

"She's got her reasons," Caleb said with a shrug, his tone defensive. "But you're my sister, Evelyn. Don't let her dictate how you feel about yourself."

Evelyn managed a small smile, appreciating Caleb's attempt at comfort. "Thanks, kid. But I think it's more than just her being petty. There's something else going on, and I need to figure out what it is."

Just then, Evelyn's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. She glanced down and saw a message from Naomi.

Are you okay? I haven't heard from you in a while.

Evelyn sighed, glancing at Caleb before typing out a quick response.

I'm fine. Just dealing with Miranda being… herself.

She hit send, but the message did little to ease the sense of unease that had settled in her chest. As she put her phone down, Caleb looked at her, sensing the tension in the air.

"You're not going to let Miranda's words get to you, are you?" he asked, concerned in his voice.

Evelyn shook her head, though doubt flickered in her eyes. "No, I'm not. But there's more to her than just being petty. I think she's hiding something. And I intend to find out what it is."

Caleb didn't respond, instead watching his sister carefully, a hint of concern crossing his features. He had always known that Evelyn wasn't one to back down, but he also understood the emotional toll this constant battle with Miranda was taking on her.

Back in the living room, Miranda was sitting perfectly still, a smirk still playing at the corners of her lips. She had gotten under Evelyn's skin—just as she intended.

But as Evelyn and Caleb reentered the room, her smile faltered slightly. She knew that Evelyn was no longer the naïve girl she used to be. The spark in her eyes—the one that had once been so easily dulled—was starting to reignite.

Miranda's expression hardened for a split second before she regained her composure, her smile returning. "Well, I see my company is still welcome," she said sweetly, but Evelyn could hear the subtle venom laced in her words.

"I'll be leaving soon," Evelyn said, her tone cooler now. "I just came to check on Caleb."

Miranda stood, her gaze lingering on Evelyn for a moment longer than necessary. "Take care of yourself, Evelyn. Don't let the world—or Adrian—control you."

Evelyn stiffened at the mention of Adrian's name. The words hung in the air, heavy and loaded with meaning. But before she could respond, Miranda had already turned, her back to her stepdaughter, hiding the glint of something far darker in her eyes.