Chapter 274

Evelyn's heart swelled with dark satisfaction as Margaret's enraged screams pierced through the phone.

"And what exactly do you plan to do about it?" Evelyn taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "You were either complicit in your brother's crimes, or you turned a blind eye. Don't pretend innocence—you spent every stolen dime he took from Thornfield Industries! How dare you even call me?"

"You murdered my daughter Victoria!" Margaret shrieked. "I haven't even made you answer for that!"

"Oh, please," Evelyn scoffed. "Who else in your miserable family has died? Why don't you blame me for that too?" Her tone turned icy. "Did you really think I'd still be the helpless girl you could push around? Margaret, you lost your chance when you failed to kill me five years ago."

The line went dead as Margaret slammed the phone down. But Evelyn knew this wasn't over.

By evening, the headlines blared: Thornfield Industries to Recover Stolen Millions? James Worthington, Former Finance Director, Arrested at Eldermere Airport After Five Years on the Run!

Nathan burst into Evelyn's office, his face alight with excitement. "You didn't tell me about this? Three hundred million—are you serious?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of her tea. "Don't believe everything you read. Do you honestly think he'd return if he hadn't already squandered every last cent?"

Nathan gaped at her. "You lost three hundred million, and you're just sitting here drinking tea?"

"My father lost it," Evelyn corrected coolly. "Not me. People always pay for their mistakes. That was the price he paid for marrying Margaret."

Nathan grinned. "We should celebrate tonight."

"Fine," Evelyn agreed, her lips curving. "You arrange it."

His expression turned sheepish as he toyed with a strand of her hair. "Can I invite Lucas?"

Evelyn's smile faltered. "You two...?"

Were they actually together?

"We've made peace," Nathan admitted, cheeks flushing. "I promise, just Lucas. Not your ex, okay?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Define 'made peace.' Did you two—?"

"Do you want us at each other's throats?" Nathan cut in, exasperated. "Get your mind out of the gutter."

Evelyn smirked. "Fine, invite him." But as Nathan hurried out, she couldn't shake the feeling there was more to the story.

Later, she called Wesley. "Join us tonight?"

"Of course," he agreed. Then, hesitating, he added, "Are you free this afternoon? Could you come to St. Elizabeth Medical Center?"

Evelyn arrived after lunch, and Wesley met her at the entrance, leading her to the private ward.

"Evelyn, I have incredible news," he said, eyes bright. "Eric Montclair is improving. Sebastian Whitmore's star student strikes again."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "Is he awake?"

Eric was her first patient since returning to Eldermere.

"Yes," Wesley confirmed. "He regained consciousness. Every specialist in the country had written him off. No one believed he'd wake up—except you."

Evelyn shook her head. "He's not fully recovered yet."

"But he will be," Wesley insisted. "I know you'll get him back on his feet."

She hoped so. Before his accident, Eric had been a reigning idol, his name still ranking among the top celebrities despite his two-year absence. After his surgery, Evelyn had binge-watched every one of his performances.

Now, standing at his bedside, she whispered, "Welcome back, Eric."

His eyelids fluttered open—and for the first time in years, he looked directly at her.