Chapter 263
The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light over the room as Evelyn settled under the covers. Eleanor turned to her granddaughter, her sharp eyes filled with concern. "Darling, you've been unusually quiet since you came back from the restroom earlier. Did something happen?"
Evelyn's lips parted, but no sound escaped.
Eleanor's expression darkened slightly as she continued, "I noticed Nathan and Serena left the table shortly after you did. When they returned, Nathan had a cut on his lip." She hesitated, the unspoken question hanging heavily between them. "Did you... run into them?"
A sudden realization struck EvelynโSerena had also gone to the restroom at the same time. She hadnโt seen her there, which made her wonder if Serena had been lurking nearby, listening in, or if she had slipped away somewhere else entirely. A flicker of suspicion crossed Evelynโs eyes before she answered in a low, steady voice, "No."
She pressed her lips together briefly, then added with quiet conviction, "I was the one who bit Nathanโs lip."
Eleanorโs breath hitched. Her eyes widened in shock, a storm of surprise and confusion swirling within them. Yet beneath it all, a subtle wave of relief washed over her. At least it had nothing to do with Serena...
After a long pause, Eleanor spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. "Evelyn, when it comes to you and Nathan, I just want you to think carefully before making any decisions. I donโt want you to act impulsively and regret it later."
Her words carried the weight of years of wisdom and love. She had always sensed that Nathan wasnโt as indifferent to Evelyn as he pretended to be.
Evelyn didnโt respond immediately. Her fingers traced the delicate embroidery on the bedsheet absently, her thoughts tangled. Finally, she murmured, "You should rest now, Grandma."
"Alright," Eleanor conceded with a soft sigh. She didnโt push further, knowing Evelyn needed time to sort through her emotions.
With age came the habit of early sleep, and soon, Eleanorโs breathing evened out as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Evelyn, however, remained awake, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with unanswered questions.