Chapter 404

With this thought flashing through her mind, Evelyn curved her lips into a faint smile, feigning surprise. "Is that so? You'd actually help restore my reputation? That would be wonderful!"

Lila mirrored her smile, though her eyes remained calculating. "We're sisters, after all. Of course I'd want to help clear your name."

She paused deliberately before adding with meaningful emphasis, "But... there's something I need from you in return."

Evelyn tilted her head, playing along with exaggerated curiosity. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Without hesitation, Lila made her demand. "Evelyn, you're already an attending physician at Grand Oaks General while I'm still just an intern. Don't you think people will laugh at me? So I need you to speak to Mr. Holloway about giving me a permanent position. Given your... special relationship with him, I'm sure he'd listen to you."

Evelyn nearly laughed at the audacity. Lila wanted a permanent position at Grand Oaks? She might as well wish for the moon.

Maintaining a polite facade, Evelyn shook her head. "I'm sorry, Lila, but that's not something I can help you with."

Lila's expression darkened instantly at the immediate rejection. She quickly adopted a wounded tone. "Then I'm afraid I can't help you either. Without proper standing, who would take my word seriously? Especially since we're sisters - people might think I'm just covering for you."

The threat hung heavy between them - help for help, or nothing at all.

Lila waited expectantly, certain Evelyn would crumble and beg.

But to her shock...

Evelyn simply sighed. "Very well. I suppose I'll just have to live with the misunderstanding."

Lila's face froze in disbelief. This wasn't the reaction she'd anticipated.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Evelyn, think carefully. If this isn't resolved, everyone will always believe you pushed Serena down those stairs. Your reputation will be permanently tarnished. Are you really willing to live with that?"

Evelyn shrugged casually, her voice dripping with indifference. "People will believe what they want. I can't control their thoughts, can I?"

"But doesn't it bother you?" Lila pressed. "This could affect your entire life!"

Evelyn's smile never wavered. "Do I look affected to you?"

Lila found herself speechless, her expression hardening into something ugly.

The truth was undeniable - Evelyn seemed completely unaffected. Moreover, Leonard had publicly announced her status as Nathan's wife during his birthday celebration. Now everyone in their circles knew Evelyn was Mrs. Black, and they were all clamoring for her favor.

This realization only deepened the bitter resentment coiling in Lila's chest.