Chapter 431

A sudden realization seemed to strike Serena, her lips curling into a triumphant smirk. "Oh, I almost forgot," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Nathan told me he'd marry me whenever I say the word. When our wedding day comes, you simply must attend!"

The venomous intent behind her words was unmistakable—this entire visit had been carefully orchestrated to wound Evelyn.

Of course, Nathan had never actually promised to marry her. That was nothing but a vicious fabrication.

But truth didn't matter to Serena. All that mattered was watching Evelyn's heart shatter beneath her carefully aimed barbs.

Each syllable struck Evelyn like shards of glass, embedding themselves deep in her chest.

For one terrifying moment, the world tilted, her lungs refusing to cooperate as the air turned to lead in her throat.

She clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure. Not a single crack in her armor would she allow.

Drawing a steadying breath, she met Serena's gaze with icy precision. "Naturally," she replied, her voice colder than winter frost. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Perfect! Well, I won't take up any more of your time. Do get some rest."

With a final glittering smile, Serena wheeled herself out, the cheerful click of her wheelchair echoing down the hallway.

The moment the door shut, Evelyn's carefully constructed mask crumbled. All color drained from her face.

She'd known this was coming. From the moment the divorce papers were signed, Nathan's remarriage was inevitable.

Yet hearing the words spoken aloud still felt like having her ribs pried open with rusty pliers.

Hot tears threatened to spill as she squeezed her eyes shut, willing the pain away.

CRASH!

The door burst open with enough force to rattle the walls.

Evelyn's head snapped up, hastily blinking away unshed tears.

"Evelyn! Sweetheart, are you alright?" Grace's voice trembled with barely restrained panic as she rushed forward.

"Darling, how are you feeling?" Eleanor followed close behind, her aged hands fluttering anxiously.

Evelyn forced a weak smile. "I'm fine, really. There's no need to fuss."

Grace's face crumpled with guilt. "This is all my fault! I should never have put artichokes in your omelet. I had no idea about your allergy!"

Before anyone could react, Grace delivered two sharp slaps to her own cheeks. The sound cracked through the room like gunshots.