Chapter 151

Third grade.

Evelyn had just turned ten years old at the time.

A child that young, locked in a pitch-black, cramped space with dozens of rats for an entire night.

"What happened after that?" Nathan asked, his voice rough with barely restrained emotion.

Evelyn's fingers curled slightly around the edge of the blanket as she answered, her voice quiet but steady. "Afterward, my mother stormed into the school and made a scene. She threatened to take it to the press. The school panicked and expelled the students who locked me in there."

She paused, her gaze drifting to the window as the memory played behind her eyes.

She could still remember the way Grace had clutched her, sobbing, before grabbing a kitchen knife, ready to hunt down the people responsible.

Thankfully, Eleanor had stopped Grace before things escalated.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, pushing the blanket aside and slipping out of bed. "You should get some rest," she murmured to Nathan before padding silently to the balcony.

She sank into the swing chair, the cool night air brushing against her skin.

Nathan lay back down, but sleep eluded him, his mind replaying Evelyn’s words.

Half an hour later, Evelyn returned, her movements light as she slid back under the covers.

Eventually, Nathan drifted off, but Evelyn remained awake, the weight of the past pressing heavily on her chest.

The next day, at work, Evelyn stifled yet another yawn, exhaustion tugging at her.

"Rough night?" Vivian asked as they finished their rounds, her sharp eyes missing nothing.

Evelyn blinked, startled by the question, then offered a tired smile. "Yeah," she admitted.

"Make sure you rest," Vivian said, her tone firm but not unkind. After a beat, she added, "I’ve compiled some case studies on type B aortic dissections. Come with me to get them."

Evelyn’s brows lifted in surprise. She’d always assumed Vivian disliked her, yet here she was, going out of her way to help.

"Thank you, Dr. Cross," Evelyn said, her gratitude genuine.

Vivian’s response was characteristically clipped. "Study them. You’re on my team now. Don’t disappoint me when the time comes."

"I won’t," Evelyn promised, flipping through the files as soon as she received them. The detailed notes and surgical breakdowns made her appreciate Vivian’s unexpected support even more.

Then, her phone buzzed.

The caller ID gave her pause.

After a brief hesitation, she answered.

It was Grace, inviting her to lunch. Without questioning it, Evelyn agreed.

At noon, she arrived at the restaurant. When she stepped into the private room, Grace was already waiting.