Chapter 98

Evelyn saw right through Vanessa's act.

The blood trickling down Vanessa's forehead in the dim lighting only amplified the dramatic effect she was going for. It was all too calculated.

She had kicked both Sophia and Vanessa out hours ago, yet they'd lingered just to stage this pathetic performance?

Was this Vanessa's desperate attempt to prove she still held Nathan's heart?

One fake injury and suddenly the world had to stop for her. Evelyn would be forgotten again.

But Evelyn refused to play along. Instead of getting upset or putting on a brave face, she delivered a stinging slap across Vanessa's cheek.

"That felt amazing!" Evelyn laughed lightly before turning on her heel and walking out.

Lucas grinned approvingly, giving her a thumbs up. "That's my sister! The real Evelyn Sinclair - not that broken woman from the past three years."

His sharp gaze swept over the woman clinging to Nathan before landing on Tristan. "Not everyone deserves Evelyn's generosity. Some people should know their place."

Vanessa whimpered in pain, her teeth chattering from the shock of Evelyn's retaliation. The slap had left her momentarily dazed.

Five minutes later, the doctor arrived and examined Vanessa on one of the venue's plush sofas. Sophia hovered nearby, wisely keeping silent after witnessing Evelyn's outburst.

Vanessa clung to Nathan's arm, her pitiful sobs filling the air. "Doctor, how bad is it?"

The physician barely glanced at the wound before instructing his assistant to apply a bandage. "Superficial abrasion. A band-aid would suffice. If you're concerned about internal injuries, get a CT scan. But based on my assessment? Mild concussion at worst."

"Just a band-aid?" Tristan protested. "She was bleeding heavily earlier. Shouldn't you examine her more thoroughly?"

The doctor packed his bag without acknowledging Tristan and approached Natalie. "You made me run red lights for this? I thought someone was dying. This barely qualifies as a scratch."

Vanessa paled, fresh tears streaming down her face as the doctor's words exposed her theatrics.

Nathan's expression darkened.

He detached himself from Vanessa's grasp, passing her off to Sophia before addressing Natalie. "Thank you."

Natalie waved him off. "Don't thank me. If you doubt my doctor's assessment, take her elsewhere. I have actual patients waiting."

As she walked past Tristan, she paused, giving him a scathing once-over. "Mr. Whitmore, having a brain is a privilege - one you clearly lack."