Chapter 351

"I truly know nothing," Uncle Dempsey's weary voice came through the phone. "Seeing Simon Stapleton vanish suddenly just reminded me of the past. Evelyn, stay away from Alexander Hamilton from now on. That young man is too cunning—even I can't figure him out."

Vivian Dempsey pouted in defiance. "Dad, you make him sound like some villain. You haven't seen how he trails after Evelyn like a lovesick puppy."

"People have many sides," Uncle Dempsey sighed. "Perhaps Evelyn is special to him. But who can guarantee they'll always be the exception?"

The line fell silent.

His tone grew heavier. "Evelyn, Simon took you from the Dempsey residence. Our family bears responsibility for that. I'm genuinely worried—"

"Dad!" Vivian interrupted. "Are you afraid Alexander will blame us? Impossible! I'm Evelyn's best friend. Why would he—"

"That director was Grandma Hamilton's most trusted aide. He watched Alexander grow up. What do you think?"

Vivian went quiet.

"Evelyn, I'm telling you this not to scare you." Uncle Dempsey softened his voice. "Alexander cares deeply for you now. I hope you can advise him. If Simon is still alive, letting the police handle it is safest. The Dempseys will cooperate fully. The maid who tricked you has already turned herself in."

After hanging up, Evelyn sat frozen, phone in hand.

When Gregory Wilson knocked, she hadn't recovered from the shock.

The man Uncle Dempsey described bore no resemblance to the gentle ex-husband she remembered.

Her fingertips felt cold.

"Finished your call?" Gregory asked softly outside the door. "The porridge is ready. Come eat something."

Evelyn opened the door.

Gregory frowned. "You look pale."

She forced a smile and walked straight to the dining table.

Two steaming bowls of rice porridge sat beside a bowl of fresh green salad.

"Only salad dressing in the fridge," Gregory apologized. "I'll get Chinese seasonings from the Asian supermarket today. Your throat isn't healed yet—nothing too strong."

Evelyn nodded in thanks.

The porridge was perfectly soft, its mild aroma comforting.

"I need to go shopping later," Gregory said. "Want to come? Familiarize yourself with the area."

Evelyn pointed to her forehead questioningly.

"Fever's gone," he understood. "Your arm wound was treated too—fresh bandage this morning."

She stirred the porridge mechanically.

"It rains often in England," Gregory continued. "Remember an umbrella next time."

Her spoon clinked against the bowl.

Uncle Dempsey's words lingered in her mind.

"Something wrong at home?" Gregory noticed her unease.