Chapter 821

Evelyn Carter took a deep breath and stepped between Bianca Langley and Vincent Croix.

She moved half a step closer to Vincent, lowering her voice. "If this continues, she might actually die."

Vincent's pupils constricted sharply. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said." Evelyn met his gaze unflinchingly. "I've seen countless irresponsible husbands in the OB-GYN department, but you... you're a first."

Her tone was eerily calm, as if discussing the weather. "Need I remind you what a desperate woman is capable of?"

Vincent's face drained of color.

Memories of that day at the cemetery flooded back. His first love was already gone—Bianca was the only obsession he had left.

He couldn't risk it.

When Bianca knocked his coat to the ground for the third time, Vincent bent to pick it up. "Put this on. I'll leave immediately."

Bianca finally took it but refused to wear it.

Dark fury churned in Vincent's eyes, yet he forced it down. The clock struck 3:59 AM.

Evelyn helped Bianca into the car. Through the rear window, she watched Vincent's figure grow smaller until it vanished into the pre-dawn darkness.

The driver's hands trembled on the wheel. "Miss, should we call the police? That man's stare was terrifying..."

"No need." Bianca clutched the porcelain urn to her chest, her voice feather-light.

At Hudson City Airport, Alexander Hamilton had been waiting for hours.

Bianca's face was deathly pale, yet she insisted on going straight to the cemetery. The moment they stepped out of the terminal, she collapsed—but never loosened her grip on the urn.

When she woke again, sunlight filled the room.

Evelyn sat by the bed peeling an apple. The knife stilled as Bianca opened her eyes. "Your fever's gone down."

Bianca stared at the ceiling's intricate patterns, her throat burning. "Is this... the Hamilton residence?"

"Yes." Evelyn handed her a glass of water. "Aunt Margaret prepared this guest room herself. It overlooks the garden."

On the nightstand, the celadon urn gleamed in the morning light.

Bianca's fingers trembled. "I shouldn't have brought this here..."

"Aunt Margaret said it's fine." Evelyn placed a pill in her palm. "Alexander has already gone to the cemetery. Your parents have been notified too."

Suddenly, Bianca asked, "Where's Vincent?"

The room plunged into silence.

Evelyn explained how she'd used psychological tactics to escape. When she finished, Bianca let out a hollow laugh, her eyes glacial.

"He wasn't afraid I'd die." She traced the urn's smooth surface. "He was afraid his collection would lose another piece."

"Ever heard of gaslighting?" Bianca lifted her chin, her smile razor-sharp. "Too bad this time, the one going mad won't be me."