Chapter 72

She had been the first to meet Nathan! So why had he chosen Evelyn, the plain-looking illegitimate child, over her?

At that moment, Lila couldn’t help but blame Diana for everything. If Diana hadn’t brought Evelyn into the Sterling family all those years ago, Evelyn would never have crossed paths with Nathan, let alone married him.

The thought made Lila clench her fists.

She would find a way to win Nathan back, no matter what it took.

Meanwhile, Evelyn was in her office, reviewing patient files when her phone buzzed. A small smile curved her lips as she recognized the caller ID. She answered, her voice smooth. "Hello?"

Olivia’s voice came through the line.

"Evelyn, the Thorntons reached out to Marcus. They want to apologize to you in person. What do you think?"

Evelyn wasn’t surprised. Given Marcus’s involvement, she had expected the Thorntons to react. She tapped her fingers lightly against her desk before responding, "Let them come. If they’re sincere, I’ll hear them out."

Olivia agreed. "I’ll arrange for them to meet you at noon, during your break."

"Perfect," Evelyn said.

At midday, Evelyn drove to the Caldwell estate. When she arrived, she found the Thorntons already waiting in the grand sitting room—Gregory, Dylan, and even Serena, all stiff with tension.

Gregory stood immediately as Evelyn entered, his tone deferential. "Mrs. Black."

Evelyn acknowledged him with a cool nod before taking a seat on the plush sofa.

Gregory wasted no time. "Mrs. Black, I deeply regret my son’s behavior. His words were inexcusable. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him."

He shot Dylan a sharp look, prompting him to speak.

Dylan’s gaze was locked on Evelyn, his expression unreadable. Even now, he couldn’t reconcile the fact that Marcus Donovan’s goddaughter was the same woman he had once dismissed so easily.

Gregory’s voice snapped him back to reality. "Dylan."

Clearing his throat, Dylan stood. "Mrs. Black, my words that night were thoughtless and disrespectful. I sincerely apologize." His tone was contrite, though his jaw remained tight.

Evelyn studied him for a long moment before responding. "There’s no need for forgiveness, Mr. Reeves. Your words meant nothing to me."

The silence that followed was heavy. Gregory shifted uncomfortably. "Mrs. Black, is there anything we can do to make amends?"

Evelyn’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Actually, there is."

The room tensed.

She leaned forward slightly, her voice soft but deliberate. "I want Dylan to publicly retract every insult he’s ever directed at me. In front of the same people who heard them."

Dylan’s face paled.

Gregory hesitated only a second before nodding. "Consider it done."

Evelyn rose gracefully. "Then we’re finished here."

As she turned to leave, she caught the flicker of resentment in Dylan’s eyes.

Good.

Let him choke on his pride.