Chapter 162

"I have just one question," Nathan said, his voice low and rough with amusement. "When exactly did you turn into a spider woman?"

Evelyn's carefully constructed composure shattered in an instant. A flush of anger and humiliation spread across her face as she flung the covers aside and bolted for the bathroom at breakneck speed.

The scent of alcohol clung to her so strongly now that it nearly overwhelmed her own senses.

By the time she finally emerged, Nathan was already gone.

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

But the moment she descended the stairs and spotted Leonard, the memories of last night came rushing back, and she nearly choked on her own mortification.

She approached him with an awkward smile. "Leonard, I—I'm so sorry about last night. I had too much to drink and made a complete fool of myself."

Leonard only laughed, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Oh, don't worry about it! Happens to the best of us."

Then, his expression softened into something more serious. "Though, I must say, drinking that much isn't wise. Try to be more careful next time."

"I will," Evelyn promised quickly.

"Good! Now, come join me for breakfast," Leonard said cheerfully.

Evelyn shook her head. "I can't—I'm already running late for work. I'll grab something at the hospital. See you later!"

Without waiting for a response, she hurried out the door.

That afternoon, Evelyn's phone buzzed with a call from Victor.

She answered with barely concealed impatience. "What is it?"

"Come home for dinner tonight," Victor commanded.

Evelyn's reply was sharp. "If you have something to say, say it now." Every invitation from Victor was just an excuse to berate her for something. She always left those dinners seething.

"Your aunt Victoria and her family are visiting," Victor said.

Evelyn's frown deepened. That made her even less inclined to go. But after a brief hesitation, she relented. "Fine. I'll be there." She hung up before he could say another word.

After her shift, Evelyn drove straight to the Sterling estate.

When she arrived, Victoria Sinclair and her family were already seated in the parlor. Evelyn greeted them politely.

Victoria gasped dramatically, her eyes widening. "Good heavens! Is this really Evelyn?" Victor had warned her about Evelyn's transformation, but nothing could have prepared her for this.

Celeste, Victoria's daughter, gaped openly. "Wait—Evelyn, did you get plastic surgery?"

Victoria shot her a sharp look. "Celeste, manners." She turned back to Evelyn with a saccharine smile. "Evelyn has always been lovely. She was just a bit heavier before, so her features weren't as noticeable."

Evelyn tilted her head slightly, studying Victoria with cool detachment.