Chapter 540

Evelyn Carter never expected her father's attitude to shift so dramatically.

The furious man from the teahouse was now urging her to accept her biological parents.

"Dad..."

"You'll always be my daughter." Andrew Anderson's rough palm gently patted her shoulder. "But I want what's best for you. You've suffered enough these years."

His voice trembled slightly. "I set those three conditions to protect you. That adopted daughter is trouble, but they raised her for over two decades..."

This man who couldn't be bothered with buying their own house had now considered every detail for his child.

Evelyn's throat tightened. Tears welled in her eyes.

"I promise."

——

In the hospital room, Grace Anderson anxiously peered out the window.

"Mom!" Emily Anderson suddenly shouted. "Dad and Evelyn are back!"

She nearly jumped off the bed in excitement.

Evelyn rushed over to restrain her. "Don't move!"

Emily finally noticed their red-rimmed eyes. "What happened? Did that family—"

"Just dust in our eyes." Evelyn quickly wiped her face.

Andrew puffed out his chest. "Nothing's wrong. If that bastard shows up, I'll beat him senseless!"

Grace understood perfectly but played along. "How did it go?"

"Fine." Andrew evaded. "They seemed sincere. Truly care about Evelyn."

Evelyn sat by her sister's bed and explained everything.

Emily's jaw dropped before she pulled Evelyn into a fierce hug. "You'll always be my sister!"

"Obviously." Evelyn pinched her cheek. "Fail any classes and you'll answer to me."

"Evelyn!" Emily ducked her head. "I was worried about missing too much school..."

"Get notes from classmates."

The sisters dissolved into laughter.

Grace dabbed at her eyes. "You two..."

"Mom, we'll always be family." Evelyn said softly.

Andrew could no longer hold back. He gathered his wife and daughters into a tight embrace.

——

A sharp knock interrupted them.

Assuming it was Alexander Hamilton, Andrew turned with a scowl—then froze. "Auntie Lucy?"

He completely ignored Peter Harrison standing beside her.

Peter forced himself to speak. "Uncle Andrew, Aunt Grace. My mother heard about Emily's hospitalization—"

"Hmph." Andrew snorted dismissively.

Auntie Lucy entered with a fruit basket and flowers. "Meant to visit sooner. Just found time today."

Grace offered a strained smile. "Have a seat."

"Why is the whole family here?" Auntie Lucy asked concernedly. "Is Emily alright?"

"Discharging soon."

Andrew's glare remained fixed on Peter like he was examining something filthy.

Peter, however, stared unblinkingly at Evelyn.

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. She shifted closer to her sister.

"Emily recovering well?" Peter suddenly stepped forward.

"Very." Emily answered.

Evelyn immediately cut in. "Director Harrison, with your busy schedule, you still have time to visit?"

"My duty." Peter smiled thinly. "Picked the fruits myself. All fresh."

Auntie Lucy nodded. "Peter said these are popular gifts for patients now."

Evelyn exchanged a look with her father.

"Room's too small." Andrew grabbed the basket. "I'll take this out."

Auntie Lucy glanced around in confusion. "What's going on? You're acting like we're thieves."