Chapter 158

Evelyn's mind raced as she processed the fragmented words—"Isabella," "car crash," "broken bones," "operation," "consent."

It clicked instantly. Isabella had been in an accident, suffered fractures, and now required emergency surgery. Somehow, the call had reached Lucas.

Lucas's jaw tightened, his expression darkening with concern.

Evelyn caught his gaze just as he ended the call.

"I need to go to orthopedics," Lucas said, already moving. "I'll be back soon. Stay with Claire."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Last night, you swore you'd never see her again."

"That was the plan," he admitted, frustration lacing his voice. "But Isabella's alone in Cresthaven. She saved my life once. I can't just abandon her now when she needs someone to sign those forms."

His reasoning was solid, leaving Evelyn no room to argue.

She nodded. "Fine. Go."

Lucas hesitated, glancing toward the breakfast tray. "I got food for Claire. Make sure she eats. I'll be back within the hour."

"Please take good care of her until then."

Lucas Bennett's words lingered in the air as Evelyn Carter watched him stride away.

Half an hour.

Claire Dawson's surgery would likely be finished by then.

Evelyn remained silent, her gaze fixed on Lucas until he vanished around the corner. Only then did she push open the hospital room door.

Claire seemed to have expected this.

When Lucas didn’t follow after the call, she didn’t ask questions. Her eyes held a quiet understanding, a resigned calm that made Evelyn’s chest tighten.

Just then, a nurse entered. "Miss Dawson, it’s time to prepare for surgery."

Evelyn bit her lip, helping Claire to her feet. Her heart ached as she studied her best friend’s pale face.

Claire doesn’t deserve this.

Lucas, that bastard. I wish I could tear him apart with my bare hands.

Claire reached up, brushing away a tear from the corner of Evelyn’s eye. "It’s my abortion," she murmured. "Why are you crying?"

She forced a weak smile. "I checked with the doctor. The procedure is quick—just five minutes. No recovery time needed. I’ll be able to leave right after."

Her voice softened. "Once it’s over, I’m taking you out. We’re having a night on the town."

Evelyn swallowed hard, squeezing Claire’s hand.

Five minutes.

Five minutes to erase something that should have been precious.

And Lucas—where was he? Off somewhere, pretending this wasn’t his responsibility.

Evelyn’s fingers curled into fists.

Retribution would come.

But not today.

Today, she would be strong for Claire.

The sun was setting over Cresthaven, casting long shadows across the hospital corridor.

Claire Dawson laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she squeezed Evelyn Carter's hand.

"Once the divorce is finalized and I get my share of Alexander's fortune, we're throwing the wildest party this town has ever seen!" she declared, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "We'll hire twenty male models, line them up by the pool, and make sure Alexander hears every detail. I'll put it all on his black card!"

Evelyn grinned, shaking her head. "You're terrible."

Claire winked. "No, darling. I'm just getting started. With that kind of money, I'll buy the penthouse above his and throw rooftop parties every weekend. Let's see how he likes the noise."

With that, Claire strode confidently into the operating room, still laughing.

Evelyn lingered outside, arms crossed, when Lucas Bennett reappeared, pushing Isabella Rhodes in a wheelchair.

An IV drip hung from the stand beside her, and Lucas clutched a stack of medical forms, signing them hastily.

The doctor adjusted his glasses. "If rehabilitation goes well, she may walk again in six weeks. But given Ms. Rhodes' profession…" He hesitated. "I'm afraid her dancing career is over."

Evelyn's lips curled.

Karma.

Isabella burst into sobs.

"Three years!" she cried, her voice breaking. "Three years of training, of fighting for the lead role—and now it's gone. What am I supposed to do now?"

In the ruthless world of dance, youth was currency. And hers had just been stolen.

The entertainment industry was ruthless.

New stars emerged every season, sprouting like wildflowers in spring.

In an agency with hundreds of aspiring talents, only a handful ever rose to the top.

Isabella's entire family had pinned their hopes on her success. She had clawed her way up, using Lucas Bennett's connections to secure her position.

But fate had other plans.

A single car crash last night had shattered her dreams.

Now, her career hung by a thread.

Isabella clutched at Lucas' sleeve, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Lucas," she whispered, voice trembling. "I heard there are specialists overseas—world-class surgeons who can fix this. Will you... will you come with me?"

Her fingers tightened around the fabric of his jacket, desperate.

She couldn't lose everything. Not like this.