Chapter 347

The grand ballroom doors swung open with dramatic timing. All heads turned as Olivia Caldwell made her entrance, her arm linked through Marcus Donovan's. But it was the figure trailing behind them that made Evelyn's fork freeze mid-air.

Lila stood bathed in spotlight, wearing a gown that cost more than most people's annual salary. The diamond bracelet from Giselle sparkled at her wrist.

Olivia raised her champagne flute. "To new beginnings and cherished connections!"

The crowd erupted in polite applause. Evelyn's eyes narrowed as Marcus stepped forward to make his toast—but not toward Lila as everyone expected. Instead, he walked purposefully through the crowd... directly toward her.

"Dr. Hartley," Marcus said, his voice carrying across the suddenly silent room. "There's someone who's been desperate to meet you."

Behind him, a familiar broad-shouldered figure emerged from the shadows. Nathan Black's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn as murmurs rippled through the guests.

Evelyn's pulse stuttered. This wasn't just a party—it was an ambush.

And from the triumphant smirk on Lila's face, she'd known about it all along.

Evelyn responded calmly, "Olivia must have her own considerations for doing this."

Natalie pressed her lips together and remained silent.

Across the room, Victor Sterling - Lila's father - was working the crowd with practiced ease.

"Mr. Sterling, you've raised exceptional daughters!"

"Indeed! Both your girls are now physicians at Grand Ins General. Remarkable achievements!"

"Mr. Sterling, here's my card. We should keep our families connected."

"Mr. Sterling, my business card as well. Do consider me for future collaborations."

Victor's pockets bulged with business cards by evening's end. His smile never faltered as he moved through the crowd with triumphant strides. Lila had truly become his golden ticket!

Meanwhile, Theodore Whitmore observed Victor with undisguised disdain. Turning to Nathan, he murmured, "Nathan, what's your read on the Caldwells? Their behavior seems... unusually hasty, wouldn't you say?"

Nathan had been watching Evelyn sample the dessert table. At Theodore's words, his gaze shifted and he replied evenly, "If there's deception at play, the truth will surface soon enough." The situation felt more layered than it appeared.

Just then, Evelyn excused herself to the ladies' room. As she entered a stall, two voices carried clearly through the partition.

"Lila hit the jackpot this time! Rescuing Mrs. Caldwell? Why don't I get opportunities like that?"

"Maybe you should start stalking the Caldwell estate. Follow Mrs. Caldwell everywhere until your chance comes!"

"Don't be ridiculous! I have some dignity!"

"Rumor has it Lila might become the Caldwells' new favorite. Wouldn't that be something?"

"If that happens, Evelyn better watch her back!"

"Serves her right! Let's see if Evelyn can keep acting so high and mighty then!"

"The banquet's starting soon. We shouldn't miss it."

"Right. Let's go."

Silence reclaimed the restroom.

Evelyn emerged unfazed, as if the venomous words had never reached her ears. She returned just as the evening's formal program commenced.

With only Olivia present - neither Marcus nor Ethan having attended - Olivia took the stage alone. Smiling warmly at the assembled guests, she spoke into the microphone: "Tonight's gathering celebrates my profound gratitude to Lila for her heroic actions." Her gaze found Lila in the audience. "Lila, please join me."

Lila pressed her lips momentarily, then gracefully lifted her gown's hem and ascended the stage. Her ensemble tonight was breathtaking - the bold crimson of her dress and dramatic makeup commanding every eye. As she reached Olivia's side, the older woman continued her praise.

With practiced humility, Lila responded, "Mrs. Caldwell, you're too generous. Anyone would have done the same in that situation."