Chapter 382

Gregory Wilson's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. "He never contacted you?"

Evelyn Carter cradled the white puppy in her lap, fingers sinking into its fluffy fur. "It's been over between us for a long time."

"I thought he'd at least give you closure."

A sliver of sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting a thin golden line on the floor. Evelyn stared at it absently.

"Forget it." Gregory stood, his white coat swaying slightly. "I shouldn't have meddled."

"Dr. Wilson." Evelyn looked up. "Every time you confess your feelings, I distance myself from you."

His lips twisted into a bitter smile. "I know."

"Because I don't know how to respond. Not giving false hope might be the kindest thing."

"I understand." He walked toward the door, his posture rigid. "We'll discuss your weekend move later."

She didn't realize those words held another meaning.

The call came unexpectedly during lunch break.

"Evelyn!" Vivian Dempsey's voice crackled with excitement. "I just saw Alexander Hamilton! Right outside your parents' place!"

Evelyn's fingers dug into her palm. "What was he doing there?"

"He carried bags upstairs and stayed over an hour before leaving—with everything still packed!" Vivian gloated. "Your parents totally shut him down!"

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Are Mom and Dad okay?"

"Perfectly fine! Your sister even served me fruit." Vivian dropped her voice. "Oh, and guess what? That homewrecker Annabelle's mom is dying!"

Evelyn shot up, knocking over her water glass.

"What did you say?"

"That sickly woman—doctors say she won't last this time." Vivian sneered. "Like mother, like daughter. Serves them right!"

Evelyn's hands trembled. "Vivian, I have to go."

"Wait, why the—"

She hung up and immediately dialed Alexander.

After endless rings, his weary voice answered. "Evelyn?"

"What happened to Mrs. Lightfoot?" Her voice strained.

His surprise was palpable. "How did you—"

"Answer me!"

"Sudden deterioration. She's in ICU now." His tone turned grave. "They issued a critical condition notice. I'm at the hospital."

Her breathing quickened. "But she only had leg paralysis before."

"It's neurogenic paralysis. This time, her brain suffered secondary trauma." He paused. "Evelyn... why do you care so much about Mrs. Lightfoot?"

The steady beep of medical monitors filled the silence as Evelyn's nails bit into her flesh.

"Because..." Her whisper barely carried through. "She might be my mother."