Chapter 194

Evelyn often found herself baffled by the arrogance of those around her. Take Victoria and Dylan, for example. Neither had achieved their social status through honorable means, yet they never hesitated to hurl insults at her, as if tearing her down would somehow absolve their own tainted reputations.

Did they truly believe that belittling her would cleanse their own sins?

Before Victoria could retaliate, Evelyn stood abruptly, snatched her bag, and strode toward the exit.

As Evelyn walked away, Victoria's face twisted in fury. That little wretch! She refused to believe a single word Evelyn had said. The idea that the Caldwell family would extend favors to someone like Evelyn—who wasn’t even blood-related—was utterly preposterous!

Once outside the café, Evelyn made her way to the parking lot and pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number.

"Leonard," she said, her voice steady, "I won’t be home for dinner tonight. I might stay at the Caldwell residence. My mother... she’s not doing well. She needs me."

There was a brief pause before Leonard responded, "Understood. I’ll send Nathan to accompany you."

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her phone. "That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own."

Leonard’s tone softened. "Don’t dismiss the idea so quickly. Seeing you and Nathan together might lift her spirits. Trust me on this."

Evelyn hesitated, then relented. "Fine. I’m at the café near the plaza."

"I’ll have him meet you there," Leonard replied before ending the call.

Evelyn slid into the driver’s seat of her car and waited. Forty minutes later, Nathan’s sleek black car pulled up beside hers. Without a word, she climbed in, and they set off toward the Caldwell estate.

The silence between them was thick, but Evelyn broke it first. "Did I pull you away from something important?"

Nathan scoffed, shooting her a sidelong glance. "What if you did?"

Evelyn tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Then I suppose I’d have to apologize."

A dry chuckle escaped him. After a beat, his voice turned serious. "What’s going on with your mother?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Victoria humiliated her. I can only imagine how devastated she is right now."

Nathan said nothing, but the tension in his grip on the steering wheel spoke volumes.

When they arrived at the Caldwell estate, Evelyn scanned her fingerprint to unlock the gates. The house was eerily dark, not a single light on. She flicked on the foyer lights, but Grace wasn’t in the living room.

Worry gnawing at her, Evelyn hurried to Grace’s bedroom. The door creaked open, revealing a heartbreaking sight—Grace lay curled on the bed, her body trembling with silent sobs.

"Mom," Evelyn whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she sat beside her.