Chapter 385

Teresa Taylor lay motionless on the hospital bed, her face as pale as parchment.

Anthony Taylor trembled as he placed Evelyn Carter's hand over Teresa's. "Terry, your mother can feel you. She definitely can—"

Before he could finish, the frail fingers twitched slightly.

"She moved!" Anthony's voice shook with excitement. "Terry, your mother really sensed your presence!"

Evelyn gazed at the woman on the bed, her emotions in turmoil.

She had never imagined having another mother.

Grace Anderson and Andrew Anderson had given her unconditional love, never making her feel different. During her divorce, her father emptied his savings, and her mother sold their house to support her—a debt she could never repay.

What would acknowledging her biological parents do to the couple who raised her?

And more importantly...

Anthony and Teresa had already poured all their love into Annabelle Taylor. That woman who threatened Alexander Hamilton with her life. That "sister" she could never accept.

"Terry! Your mother's waking up!"

Evelyn snapped back to reality.

Teresa was gripping her hand with surprising strength. Her clouded eyes brimmed with terror, as though Evelyn would vanish if she let go.

"I'll get the doctor!" Anthony stumbled toward the door.

Medical staff arrived quickly.

"Dr. Carter, we need to examine the patient," a nurse gently reminded her.

Evelyn nodded and tried to withdraw her hand, but Teresa tightened her grasp, emitting a hoarse whimper.

She leaned down and embraced this unfamiliar mother. "I won't leave. I'll wait right outside."

Teresa still refused to release her.

"Really, I'm not going anywhere," Evelyn repeated softly but firmly.

The skeletal fingers finally loosened their grip.

Outside the ICU, Anthony paced anxiously. "What did the doctors say? Is your mother improving?"

"Let's wait for the test results." Evelyn steadied his trembling arm. "Sit down and rest first."

As she turned, she froze.

Alexander stood at the far end of the corridor, Margaret Hamilton beside him with a complicated expression. Annabelle was charging toward them, shoving Evelyn's hand away from Anthony's arm.

"Dad! I'm your daughter!" Annabelle's voice was shrill.

Anthony closed his eyes wearily. "Annabelle, I told you, your mother and I once—"

"No!" Annabelle's face drained of color as she staggered back.

Alexander's pupils constricted sharply. "Uncle Anthony, don't tell me..."