Chapter 208

Tears pooled in Isabella's eyes, but Lucas turned away without hesitation.

His kindness toward her had always stemmed from gratitude—for saving his life. Now that the truth was exposed, that fragile bond shattered like glass.

The look he gave her burned with pure loathing.

If not for Isabella's deception, he and Claire would never have been torn apart.

"To think someone as vile as you exists in this world."

"Lucas... What's so wrong about loving you?"

"Love?" His lips curled in disgust. "Your version of love makes me sick."

With swift movements, Lucas pulled out his phone and dialed 911. "I'm going to watch you rot behind bars, Isabella."

"No! Please don't!" She clawed at his sleeve desperately. "I'll explain everything to Claire! I'll make her understand!"

Isabella knew the game was over. The moment her lies unraveled, any remaining connection between them vanished like smoke.

The only bargaining chip left was self-preservation.

"Don't you want Claire back?" Isabella's voice trembled with desperation. "I can help you! She won't believe you, but she'll believe me. Let me go, and I'll confess everything to her!"

Lucas's lips curled into a cold smirk. "I don't negotiate with snakes like you. Winning her back is my responsibility—my debt to Claire."

Within minutes, the police arrived. Isabella was dragged away, her pleas fading into the sterile hospital corridor.

As Evelyn turned to leave, Lucas's voice stopped her.

"Thank you."

If not for her intervention, he would have remained blind to Isabella's manipulations.

Evelyn didn't look back. "This isn't for you. It's about justice—for Claire."

"Wait." Lucas hesitated. "Don’t tell her it was Isabella who ruined her dancing career."

Evelyn finally faced him, her gaze sharp.

"Dancing was her life. She thinks it was an accident. If she learns the truth, that hatred will consume her." His voice cracked. "I won’t let her live like that."

The silence between them was heavy.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Fine. But this mercy isn’t for you."

She walked away, leaving Lucas alone with his regrets.

The hospital corridor felt unnaturally quiet as Evelyn descended the stairs, her thoughts still tangled from the conversation upstairs.

Claire and Julian were waiting for her near the entrance, their expressions shifting from concern to relief when they spotted her.

"What took you so long?" Claire asked, stepping forward.

A police car rolled past them just then, its red and blue lights casting fleeting shadows across the pavement.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on the vehicle long after it disappeared around the corner. She knew Isabella was inside.

"I had some things to settle," Evelyn murmured, forcing her attention back to them.

Upstairs, Lucas had pleaded with her—begged her, really—not to tell Claire the full truth about her injuries.

Evelyn understood his fear. If Claire learned that Lucas bore partial responsibility for what happened, their already fragile relationship might shatter completely.

But Evelyn had refused to comply.

After a tense silence, Lucas had finally relented—on one condition.

If Claire must know, then I’ll be the one to tell her.

This is between us.

In the end, Evelyn had agreed.

Now, standing under the pale glow of the hospital lights, she wondered if she’d made the right choice.

Claire deserved the truth.

But would it destroy her?

She set a firm deadline—he had to confess to Claire within a week of Lucas's hospital discharge. Lucas agreed without hesitation.

Just as the conversation ended, Evelyn's phone buzzed. It was Natalie. "Someone sent a massive gift to the office. You need to see this."

Evelyn blinked. "For me?"

"Obviously!"

Glancing at her watch, Evelyn realized she'd be late if she didn't hurry. She hailed a cab and sped toward Titan Capital Group.

The moment she stepped into the CEO's office, her breath caught. An extravagant bouquet of white lilies dominated her desk, their fragrance filling the air. Natalie had already signed for it.