Chapter 255

Evelyn remained silent for a long moment.

She had just watched the footage showing Vanessa being rescued by Claire, and it didn’t make sense to her.

Her mind raced. Vanessa has been nothing but trouble. Claire should be relieved if Vanessa ended up hurt—so why would she save her?

Evelyn finally spoke. "So, you were unconscious for that long?"

The question only deepened Claire’s guilt. "Actually, I wasn’t unconscious. I just... fell asleep and didn’t wake up for hours. I had no idea you stayed here all night. I’m so sorry."

"You’re kidding, right? I barely slept worrying about you!"

Evelyn reached out, cupping Claire’s face between her palms, and gave her cheeks a playful, affectionate squeeze.

"Okay, fine—I didn’t stay all night. I left around eleven. Alexander was the one who kept watch over you."

She sighed, her expression softening. "Claire, he’s a good man. I know he’s friends with Lucas, but he’s nothing like that arrogant jerk. Seeing you with someone who actually treats you right... as your best friend, it makes me happy."

Claire blinked, her lips parting slightly.

Evelyn smirked. "Don’t look so shocked. I can be supportive when I want to be."

A small laugh escaped Claire. "I never doubted that."

Evelyn leaned back, crossing her arms. "Good. Because if you ever let a man like Alexander slip away, I will disown you."

Claire rolled her eyes, but the warmth in them was unmistakable. "Noted."

Evelyn grinned. "Now, tell me everything. How did he confess? Was it romantic? Or did he just blurt it out like the emotionally constipated rich boy he is?"

Claire groaned, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed. "Oh, this is going to be good."

Claire understood all too well the struggles Evelyn had endured with the Hayes family and their unfair treatment. But there was little she could do to change the past.

Ethan Caldwell had been particularly cruel, crushing Evelyn's sincere affections beneath his heel.

Claire spoke these words hoping Evelyn wouldn't shut herself off completely because of her painful history.

At the very least, in Claire's eyes, Alexander Whitmore was a good man.

Evelyn grasped Claire's meaning.

She needed to redirect her focus toward Alexander.

From the corner of her eye, Evelyn noticed Lucas Bennett watching from the doorway. She gave Claire a subtle nudge.

Claire turned and met Lucas's gaze, her expression carefully neutral.

She closed the door behind her and stepped into the hallway.

Lucas hadn't seen Claire in over a week.

After he'd been hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer from excessive drinking, Claire had only signed his admission forms on the first day. She hadn't visited him once since.

A dull ache settled in Lucas's chest. He knew Claire—

Claire had been determined to sever all ties with Lucas for good, but he refused to let her go.

The bitter truth gnawed at him—the chasm between them had been carefully crafted by Isabella.

That woman’s deceit had cost them everything.

They’d lost their unborn child.

The hospital corridor stretched empty as Lucas finally spoke, his voice thick with remorse. "Claire, Isabella’s behind bars now. She orchestrated both incidents during your performances. We were all pawns in her game."

His hands trembled as he continued. "She staged that rescue, played the hero—all part of her twisted plan. And your accident? The one that stole your dancing career? That was her too. She wanted your spotlight, your life."

A ragged breath escaped him. "I know how much dance means to you. I’ve hired the best lawyers to sue her for every penny of compensation you deserve."

Then his voice broke. "Please. Give us another chance. I can’t—I won’t—sign those divorce papers. This isn’t how our story ends." His fingers brushed her tear-streaked cheek. "Don’t you see? You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. The only one I’ll ever love."

In one swift motion, Lucas enveloped her in an embrace so tight it stole her breath, as if he could fuse their broken pieces back together through sheer will.