Chapter 348
No.1
She turned away without sparing Alexander a single glance.
"Evelyn Sinclair!" Alexander surged to his feet.
Julian Ashford blocked his path. "That surgeon was Sophie's designated doctor."
"And?" Alexander's eyes darkened dangerously.
Julian smirked. "If Miss Winslow means so much to you, stop tormenting Evelyn. She's settled all accounts with the Kingsleys!"
With that, he strode after Evelyn.
As Alexander moved to retaliate, Eleanor's calm voice cut through. "Stay."
No.2
She rose leisurely. "First, explain this surgeon business."
"Aunt Eleanor, it's all my fault..." Isabella interjected hastily. "When Grandfather fell ill, I had no choice but to—"
"Isabella dear," Eleanor smiled sweetly, "let mother and son talk privately."
Isabella immediately fell silent.
Eleanor turned to Alexander, then suddenly glanced back. "Oh Isabella, did you know Dr. York was Sophie's surgeon?"
"I...I only found out later..." Isabella's eyes welled up. "Today I arranged specialist consultations, but Evelyn—"
"Perfect timing then." Eleanor patted her hand gently. "Best not visit Royal Gardens again. Wouldn't want you catching bad luck."
No.3
Isabella turned ghostly pale before tearfully excusing herself.
Once the footsteps faded, Eleanor's expression hardened. "Ethan, bring them up."
In the second-floor bedroom, she directed servants to pack Evelyn's belongings.
"Mother!" Alexander frowned.
"I'm done with this daughter-in-law." Eleanor sighed. "Spare me explanations about surgeons or Sophie."
She brushed imaginary dust from her sleeves. "From today, neither girl sets foot in this house again."
Before leaving, she tapped Ethan's forehead. "Missing one item costs your annual bonus."
No.4
......
The night wind cut like knives.
Evelyn tightened her coat, but nothing could ward off the chill seeping into her bones.
Now she understood—the humiliation outside the club, the life-or-death chase through the storm—all because of him.
For Isabella's sake, he'd extinguished Sophie's last hope.
Rich heiresses could toy with lives as they pleased, and Alexander Kingsley would always enable them.
Evelyn slowly crouched down, tears splattering the pavement.
No.5
Sophie, I'm sorry...
She could never outmaneuver Isabella, much less Alexander.
To people like them, she and Sophie were just playthings for their amusement.
"Evelyn..." Julian's voice carried through the hedges, laced with unmistakable concern.
His car had been following her at a crawl.
Evelyn Sinclair drew a deep breath, forcing back her tears.
She lifted her chin, summoning a faint smile. "I'm fine."
No.6
Crossing the greenery, she opened the passenger door and slid in.
As she buckled the seatbelt, she flashed Julian a brilliant grin. "I always overestimate myself. Only after hitting rock bottom do I face reality."
"Don't say that." Julian pressed the accelerator. "You're stronger than anyone."
Evelyn fell silent, gazing at the passing city lights. Her fingers absently drifted to her abdomen...
That snowy night seven years ago.
For the secret that would change everything, she'd climbed out the window, shimmying down a frozen pipe.
The brittle pipe snapped. A jagged edge stabbed deep into her flesh.
No.7
To avoid detection—to deliver that secret—
She packed the wound with snow. Hid for two hours in the blizzard.
Until Julian found her.
Not strength. Not courage.
She'd spent a lifetime's worth in that moment...
Like loving someone with your whole heart, leaving nothing for anyone else.
"Look at this." Julian handed her a document. "The company can handle it if you'd rather not get involved."