Chapter 42

Lila Sinclair's question didn't come as a surprise.

That evening at the Caldwell family banquet, Lila had been forced to leave abruptly after receiving an urgent call from her mentor. Because of this, she had missed Evelyn Hartley's heroic act—and Ethan Caldwell's public declaration that Evelyn might soon join Grandview General Hospital.

When Evelyn mentioned the hospital, Lila's face brightened with pride. "Yes, I've started working at Grandview," she said, her voice laced with satisfaction.

Evelyn tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Oh? What position do you hold? Attending physician? Or something else?"

The question caught Lila off guard. A flicker of discomfort crossed her features before she forced a smile. "Well, I'm not officially on staff yet. Grandview only accepts the best—there are rigorous exams and multiple selection rounds." She paused, then added, "Right now, I'm training under the Chief Surgeon in the Cardiac Department. My mentor believes in another two years, I'll be ready to pass the exams and secure a permanent position."

Evelyn nodded slowly. "I see."

Lila leaned forward, her tone dripping with false generosity. "Evelyn, you should join me there. You might not qualify for training yet, but you could start as my assistant. With time, you could work your way up."

A polite smile curved Evelyn's lips. "That's kind of you, but I've already accepted another position. I start tomorrow."

Lila's eyes narrowed slightly. "Really? Where?"

Evelyn's smile deepened, mysterious. "You'll find out soon enough."

Lila barely suppressed a scoff. Probably some no-name clinic, she thought dismissively.

Throughout the meal, Lila kept steering the conversation, desperate to maintain control. "Evelyn, now that you're the Caldwells' goddaughter, I'm so happy for you. Since our families are closer, maybe you could arrange a dinner with Marcus and Olivia for us?"

Evelyn's expression remained cool. "We'll see."

Marcus Donovan and Olivia Sinclair despised Victor Sterling for how he had treated Evelyn. The mere mention of him soured their moods.

Lila clenched her teeth but held back her frustration. She couldn't afford to push too hard—not when Evelyn held all the cards now.

When they finally left the restaurant, Lila suggested extending their afternoon together. Evelyn declined with effortless grace before driving off, leaving Lila standing on the curb, seething.

Back at the Sterling estate, tension hung thick in the air.