Chapter 387

The ballroom buzzed with hushed conversations as clusters of guests exchanged knowing glances. Crystal glasses clinked softly against each other while speculative whispers cut through the air like knives.

"Mr. Grant looks absolutely delighted with his daughter-in-law! Could Evelyn truly be the one hiding her identity all this time?"

"How peculiar! Weren't there rumors that Mr. Grant's wife was plain and overweight? Evelyn Hartley certainly doesn't fit that description."

"My wife Diana knows the Sterlings intimately. She told me she met Victor's illegitimate daughter years ago - back when Evelyn had a fuller figure and that distinctive birthmark on her left cheek."

"The rumors about Mr. Grant's wife were accurate, but that was three years ago. Perhaps Evelyn underwent cosmetic procedures? She's practically unrecognizable now."

"So the Sterling family's illegitimate daughter - the Thomas family's close friend - turns out to be Mr. Grant's mysterious wife!"

"Who would've imagined? And notice how Mr. Grant shows no particular favor to the Sterlings. The Thorntons, backed by the Caldwells, have benefited far more."

"It appears Mr. Grant still favors his former lover!"

"Shh! Not so loud."

Across the room, Olivia Sinclair found herself surrounded by society women hanging onto her every word.

"Olivia was right all along - Evelyn chose to conceal her identity herself. The Grants clearly adore her; just look at Leonard's pride when introducing her!"

"Absolutely! I've always said Evelyn is cherished by the Grant family."

Beatrice Waltham's expression darkened as she overheard the conversation. A bitter taste rose in her throat before she suddenly chuckled.

"Leonard might dote on Evelyn, but what does that matter? Nathan clearly can't stand her! Did you see how he carried Serena out of here earlier? That must have been humiliating for Evelyn."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group. All eyes turned to Beatrice with disapproval. Even the most gossip-hungry socialites recognized the cruelty in her words.

Olivia's frown deepened. Nathan's public rejection of Evelyn - choosing to escort Serena instead - showed blatant disregard for his wife. And Leonard's timing couldn't be worse. Why reveal Evelyn's identity now, when divorce papers were practically signed? What would become of Evelyn's reputation after the separation?

These troubling thoughts only intensified Olivia's growing frustration.

At Grandins General Hospital's VIP ward...

Serena Cole lay motionless on the sterile white sheets, her injuries painting a grim picture. Four stitches closed the gash on her forehead. Her left forearm rested in a cast, while angry red abrasions covered her limbs. The worst was the persistent throbbing in her twisted spine that made even breathing painful.

After the medical team finished their work, Serena remained still - the picture of fragile vulnerability.