Chapter 153

Evelyn's eyes widened slightly in disbelief. "Is... Is it truly that dire?"

Grace remained silent, her quietude speaking volumes more than any words could.

After a prolonged pause, Evelyn's voice quivered as she whispered, "But... But that's precisely why Lila can't lose! If she does, Diana will hold it against you, and your father—he'll be livid, beyond reasoning. Grace, I'm pleading with you, please let Lila win this time. Even if... Even if it means you'll be expelled from the hospital, I'll take care of you. I'll support you for the rest of your life. And you still have Nathan, don’t you? Nathan and his father—surely they won’t let you struggle to find work."

Grace reached out and clutched Evelyn’s hand tightly, her expression desperate and imploring.

A crushing wave of disappointment constricted Evelyn’s chest, suffocating her. No matter how Grace tried to justify it, the truth was glaring—Grace wanted her to sacrifice her own future for Lila’s sake. How utterly preposterous!

Evelyn stared at Grace, the storm inside her making it impossible to discern whether she was more wounded or disillusioned.

After drawing a slow breath, Evelyn spoke, each syllable sharp as a blade. "You told me never to outshine Lila before, and I obeyed. You said I shouldn’t surpass her in anything, that I should always remain beneath her, and I complied. Now, with this competition—one that could shape my entire future—you want me to yield again?"

Then, unexpectedly, a faint smile curved Evelyn’s lips—but it wasn’t one of joy. It was a smile that concealed more anguish than any tears could reveal.

Evelyn continued, her voice steady yet brittle, "Mother, I have to ask... Are you truly my mother, or Lila’s?"

At Evelyn’s words, Grace’s face drained of color.

Grace had never imagined Evelyn would say something so cutting. Each word struck like a dagger to her heart.

Her voice trembled. "Evelyn... You... You’ve truly wounded me with those words. I never thought you’d doubt me like this!"

Evelyn couldn’t help but scoff softly at Grace’s reaction. She had wounded her? Did Grace even realize the scars she had etched into Evelyn’s heart over the years? The countless moments of pain and betrayal that had accumulated like layers of dust?

Grace, still frantic, pressed on, her voice shaking. "I know... I know what I’m asking is unfair. But I... I have no choice. It’s for our future, for both of us."

Evelyn’s expression remained icy, her features unyielding. Grace’s desperate pleas left no mark on her resolve.

Seeing this, Grace’s sorrow deepened. She knew her attempts at remorse had only widened the chasm between them.

Then, abruptly, a sharp crack echoed through the room. Grace had struck herself across the face, the sound reverberating like a blow to Evelyn’s soul.

Evelyn’s gaze snapped up in shock, her eyes widening.

Grace’s face crumpled with guilt. "It’s all my fault. I’ve been useless my entire life."

"Not only am I a failure, but now I’ve dragged my daughter into this mess." Tears spilled from her eyes as she sniffled. She lifted her gaze to Evelyn once more, her voice breaking as she sobbed, "Evelyn, I’ve made up my mind. Do what you believe is right. I won’t ask you to promise anything anymore."

But Evelyn saw through her mother’s words. Despite the tears, despite the sorrow, Grace still wanted her to let Lila win. At that moment, Evelyn found the entire situation absurd—utterly meaningless. The realization drew a faint, bitter smile from her as she spoke plainly. "You don’t need to torment yourself anymore. I promise—I’ll let Lila have her way."