Chapter 203

After Evelyn's question, Grace hesitated, her expression flickering with uncertainty. Finally, she spoke, her voice laced with remorse.

"Because I didn't want to fail you again."

Evelyn was taken aback, her breath hitching at the unexpected answer.

Grace exhaled deeply before continuing, "Evelyn, after everything that happened with Lila, I know I failed you. It broke your heart—and mine too. But I couldn't change it. I always felt I owed Lila and Diana. Every chance I got to repay that debt, I took it, hoping it would ease the guilt eating at me. But in doing so, I ignored your feelings. That was my mistake, and for that, I'm truly sorry."

Evelyn's chest tightened as she listened, her lips parting slightly, but no words came out.

Grace's voice steadied, firmer now. "But I don't owe Victoria anything. And I refuse to let her be the reason I hurt you again. Even if my refusal enraged her, I couldn’t bring myself to agree."

A rush of warmth spread through Evelyn—relief, happiness, something tender and fierce all at once. She pressed her lips together before speaking, gentle but firm. "From now on, Mom, if anyone dares to hurt you, you tell me."

Grace chuckled, lighter than before. "Understood."

"Good. With you on my side, I'm not afraid of anything anymore."

Evelyn nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I should get back to work."

"Go ahead. Take care of yourself."

"I will."

The call ended, and Evelyn returned to her tasks.

Later, as she sipped water at her desk, her phone buzzed again. The name on the screen made her frown. Why is he calling?

She answered, tone cool. "What do you want?"

"You handled your mother’s situation well," Victor’s voice came through, smooth and measured.

Evelyn froze, pulling the phone away to stare at the screen as if it might explain this bizarre moment. Praise from Victor Sterling? That was rarer than a blue moon.

Before she could respond, he continued, "But throwing coffee in your aunt’s face? That was excessive."

A bitter smirk curled her lips. "Excessive? I just gave her what she deserved. So it’s fine for her to dump food on my mother’s head, but I’m the one who crossed a line?"

Silence. Then Victor sighed, resignation creeping into his tone. "She’s still family. You shouldn’t have disrespected her like that."

Evelyn’s smile vanished, her expression hardening.