Chapter 223

Dominic Pierce rose from his chair, his voice crisp. "Let's go to the main office. The morning meeting starts soon."

Evelyn Hartley followed him without a word.

The conference room buzzed with quiet murmurs as Dominic announced Evelyn's decision to stay at Grand Hills General Hospital. No one batted an eye—everyone had already pieced together how things would unfold.

Once dismissed, the team scattered to begin their rounds.

Evelyn completed hers swiftly and returned to her office, sinking into her chair. She pulled up a research article on her screen, fingers flying across the keyboard—until her phone shattered the silence.

A glance at the caller ID made her breath hitch. After a beat, she answered.

"Evelyn, do you have a moment? I'm in the hospital garden. Could you meet me?" Grace Monroe's voice was soft but insistent.

Evelyn exhaled. "I'll be right there."

She found Grace beneath a sprawling oak, its leaves casting dappled shadows over her troubled expression.

"Mom," Evelyn greeted.

Grace turned, frustration lacing her tone. "Did you even read my message yesterday?"

"I did," Evelyn admitted. "But I was occupied."

A pause. Then Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "Is this about Lila?"

Grace sighed. "It is. Explain to me why you went back on your word."

Evelyn's composure didn't waver. "I didn't. I agreed to let Lila have her chance—not to hand her victory." A faint smirk curled her lips. "When she lost the competition and faced expulsion, I intervened. Now she's staying, just as she wanted. Isn't that what I promised?"

Grace faltered. Was Evelyn twisting words, or had she misunderstood all along? She'd assumed Evelyn would concede—that Lila would win after their conversation. Reality had proven her wrong.

Evelyn studied her mother's conflicted face. "Are you angry with me?"

Grace met her gaze. Silence stretched between them before she finally spoke. "Not angry. Just afraid. Afraid Diana will blame you for this."

Evelyn's voice was steel wrapped in velvet. "I don't care what others think. My conscience is clear."

Grace exhaled, shoulders slumping. Arguing was pointless. Then, as if struck by irony, she chuckled. "Well, it's done."

Her smile was bittersweet. "You won. No use dwelling on it. So—congratulations, Evelyn. You played it well."