Chapter 100

Lila Sinclair leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I had planned to use that incident to ruin her reputation, but now..."

"I don't think that's wise. I'm sorry, Felicity, but we need another approach."

Felicity Chamberlain's words were cautious, but Lila, though seething inside, kept her expression serene. She smiled sweetly, her tone dripping with false warmth. "Oh, Felicity, no need to apologize. Besides, I’ve already forgiven Evelyn. We’re sisters, aren’t we? How could I possibly hold a grudge?"

Her words were honeyed, but beneath them lay venom.

Today’s gathering had been meticulously orchestrated—a perfect stage to twist the narrative of her suffering, knowing full well these women thrived on gossip. Once the rumors spread, Evelyn’s reputation would be in tatters.

Lila had been confident in her plan. Even if the Caldwell family intervened later, it would be too late. The damage would be irreversible. And since she wasn’t the one spreading the whispers, no blame could be traced back to her.

But fate had other plans.

Running into Evelyn had shattered everything.

Now that Evelyn’s hidden status had been revealed, none of these women would dare cross her. Lila’s carefully constructed scheme crumbled in an instant, leaving her simmering with frustration.

After the tense encounter, Evelyn returned to the dining area without mentioning the incident to Diana. She simply resumed her meal in silence.

As they finished, Diana dabbed her lips with a napkin and turned to Evelyn with concern. "Evelyn, what really happened between you and Lila? You used to speak so highly of her—trusted her completely. What changed in these past three years?"

Evelyn met her gaze, her smile tinged with quiet bitterness. "I just saw things for what they were. Sometimes, those who claim to stand by you... don’t."

Her eyes drifted, lost in thought for a moment. "People’s hearts are complicated. I won’t be fooled again."

The weight behind her words made Diana frown, but before she could press further, Evelyn stood. "I have an afternoon shift at the hospital. Goodbye, Diana."

Without waiting for a reply, she gathered her things and left, her steps quick and decisive.

On her way back to the hospital, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. It was Leonard Grant, summoning her to a family dinner that evening—urgent, he insisted.

Curious, she agreed. Leonard rarely demanded her presence so firmly. Something significant must be happening.

After finishing her duties without delay, Evelyn drove straight to the Grant estate.

As she stepped inside and saw the faces gathered in the living room—three familiar yet unexpected figures—her expression shifted subtly.

Recognition flickered in her eyes.

So. They had returned.