Chapter 64

Evelyn Carter was rushed to Central Hospital.

The familiar scent of disinfectant eased her tense nerves slightly. After a thorough examination, Dr. Porter said, "No broken bones—just a sprain and some abrasions. I'll prescribe some medication to reduce swelling. Keep the area dry for a week."

"Thank you, Dr. Porter."

"Don't mention it. Someone come with me to get the medication."

Vivian Dempsey started to stand, but Gregory Wilson was already on his feet. "Stay with Evelyn. I'll go."

Evelyn didn’t go to the surgical clinic. She returned directly to her own office.

Vivian crouched in front of her, frowning at the angry scrapes on her legs. "She was trying to kill you, and you still saved her?"

"I didn’t save her."

"Please. Eyewitnesses saw you turn back and shield her when you could’ve run."

Evelyn opened her palm. "I went back for this."

Vivian froze when she saw what lay in Evelyn’s hand. "Why are you still holding onto this?"

"I forgot to return it." Evelyn rubbed the diamond ring between her fingers. "It’s worth tens of thousands. Marital property. If it went missing, Annabelle would make a scene."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Let her! Fighting over an ex-wife’s engagement ring? Alexander should be ashamed."

"I don’t want anything more to do with them."

"Fair," Vivian scoffed. "After today’s spectacle, it’s clear she doesn’t care about embarrassing Alexander."

The phone rang.

"Who is it?"

Evelyn’s brow furrowed at the caller ID—Margaret Hamilton, her former mother-in-law.

"Hello?"

"It’s me."

Evelyn hesitated. "Mrs. Hamilton."

A pause on the other end.

Finally, Margaret sighed. "You’re right to address me that way. I heard you were hurt. Is it serious?"

"Just minor scrapes. Nothing to worry about."

"You returned all the gifts I sent..." Margaret’s voice trembled. "I understand you want a clean break. But I feel terrible..."

"You weren’t at fault."

"Wasn’t I? I swore up and down they were just friends..."

Evelyn cut her off. "It’s over. I’ll always remember how kind you were to me these past years."

"Evelyn," Margaret suddenly lowered her voice. "If Alexander wanted to come back... would you give him another chance?"

Evelyn’s fingers twitched. "Did he say something to you?"