Chapter 330

"How are you getting to the hospital now?"

[Don’t let my parents know. They’ll worry.]

"Then how do you want to handle this? What can I do to help?"

Evelyn Carter’s fingers hovered over her phone screen. After a moment’s hesitation, she lowered her hand.

She pointed at Vivian Dempsey’s phone.

"Use mine?"

Evelyn gave a slight nod.

Vivian handed it over without hesitation. "Here."

Evelyn quickly typed a line of text and turned the screen toward her.

Vivian studied it for a moment before nodding firmly. "Alright, we’ll do it that way. But it’ll take a few days to prepare."

A knock sounded at the door.

Vivian tensed and turned. "Who is it?"

"Terry, I couldn’t stop worrying. I had to come see you."

It was Teresa Taylor’s voice.

Vivian lowered her voice. "Annabelle’s mom. Do you want to see her?"

Evelyn gave a small nod.

Vivian walked over and opened the door.

Teresa was still in her wheelchair, but this time, Annabelle was the one pushing it.

Teresa’s eyes were red-rimmed, and Annabelle leaned down to dab at her tears with a tissue. "Mom, stop crying. Dr. Carter is awake now."

Teresa clutched her daughter’s hand. "That’s good. That’s so good."

Vivian crossed her arms, her gaze shifting between the two. "What do you want?"

Annabelle offered a placating smile. "My mom has been worried sick about Dr. Carter. She insisted on coming. Miss Dempsey, just let her say a few words. We won’t stay long."

Vivian didn’t budge. She peered into the hallway. "Alexander Hamilton, why are you hiding out there?"

"Hmm?"

Alexander stood.

"Get in here."

He raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you so friendly with me?"

Vivian scoffed. "Consider it a one-hour privilege for saving Evelyn this time. But I’ve learned my lesson. Your wife and mother-in-law are both fragile. If something happens in this room, I won’t take the blame."

Teresa winced. "You’re Dr. Carter’s close friend, aren’t you?"

"That’s right. We grew up together—closer than sisters. Got a problem with that?"

"No, I’m just glad Dr. Carter has someone like you."

Vivian frowned at Alexander. "What’s your mother-in-law trying to say?"

Alexander looked equally confused. "Aunt Teresa, did you know Evelyn before?"

"I..." Teresa’s tears spilled over. She choked back a sob. "No, I just thought it was such a coincidence that Dr. Carter and Annabelle share the same name. Seeing her hurt breaks my heart."

Vivian smirked coldly. "You’re overthinking it, ma’am. Evelyn and your daughter are worlds apart. Don’t even compare them."

Teresa bowed her head. "Annabelle was spoiled rotten. She’s made so many mistakes. I apologize on her behalf."

"Don’t. I don’t deserve it. Besides, she wronged Evelyn, not me."

"You’re right." Teresa’s voice softened. "Lately, Annabelle has been having nightmares. Her mental state fluctuates. It’s karma. She truly regrets everything now. Last night, when she heard Dr. Carter was missing, she insisted on searching—we couldn’t stop her..."

Vivian side-eyed Annabelle.

Her head was bowed, tears welling in her eyes.