Chapter 194
Evelyn often found herself baffled by the arrogance of those around her. Take Victoria and Dylan, for example. Neither had achieved their social status through honorable means, yet they never hesitated to hurl insults at her, as if tearing her down would somehow absolve their own tainted reputations.
Did they truly believe that belittling her would cleanse their own sins?
Before Victoria could retaliate, Evelyn stood abruptly, snatched her bag, and strode toward the exit.
As Evelyn walked away, Victoria's face twisted in fury. That little wretch! She refused to believe a single word Evelyn had said. The idea that the Caldwell family would extend favors to someone like Evelynโwho wasnโt even blood-relatedโwas utterly preposterous!
Once outside the cafรฉ, Evelyn made her way to the parking lot and pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number.
"Leonard," she said, her voice steady, "I wonโt be home for dinner tonight. I might stay at the Caldwell residence. My mother... sheโs not doing well. She needs me."
There was a brief pause before Leonard responded, "Understood. Iโll send Nathan to accompany you."
Evelynโs fingers tightened around her phone. "Thatโs not necessary. I can manage on my own."
Leonardโs tone softened. "Donโt dismiss the idea so quickly. Seeing you and Nathan together might lift her spirits. Trust me on this."
Evelyn hesitated, then relented. "Fine. Iโm at the cafรฉ near the plaza."
"Iโll have him meet you there," Leonard replied before ending the call.
Evelyn slid into the driverโs seat of her car and waited. Forty minutes later, Nathanโs sleek black car pulled up beside hers. Without a word, she climbed in, and they set off toward the Caldwell estate.
The silence between them was thick, but Evelyn broke it first. "Did I pull you away from something important?"
Nathan scoffed, shooting her a sidelong glance. "What if you did?"
Evelyn tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Then I suppose Iโd have to apologize."
A dry chuckle escaped him. After a beat, his voice turned serious. "Whatโs going on with your mother?"
Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Victoria humiliated her. I can only imagine how devastated she is right now."
Nathan said nothing, but the tension in his grip on the steering wheel spoke volumes.
When they arrived at the Caldwell estate, Evelyn scanned her fingerprint to unlock the gates. The house was eerily dark, not a single light on. She flicked on the foyer lights, but Grace wasnโt in the living room.
Worry gnawing at her, Evelyn hurried to Graceโs bedroom. The door creaked open, revealing a heartbreaking sightโGrace lay curled on the bed, her body trembling with silent sobs.
"Mom," Evelyn whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she sat beside her.