Chapter 490

"Thank you, Diana," Evelyn Hartley murmured, pouring herself a steaming cup of coffee before returning to her patient charts.

The brief exchange sent ripples of curiosity through the hospital staff lounge, though no one dared voice their questions aloud.

Just then, one of Lila Sinclair's admirers piped up. "These imported snacks and champagne are so luxurious! We're truly fortunate to enjoy such treats, all thanks to Lila!"

"Absolutely! This lavish spread is courtesy of Lila and her mother," another colleague chimed in.

Lila offered a practiced, gracious smile. "I'm simply delighted you're all enjoying yourselves."

Diana Prescott didn't linger, excusing herself after only a brief stay.

The moment Diana left, Evelyn gathered her medical files and exited without a backward glance.

Seizing the opportunity, Lila exchanged a meaningful look with one of her companions. The woman immediately took the bait. "Lila, is it true you and Evelyn share the same father but different mothers?"

All conversation ceased as Lila confirmed with a serene nod. "Yes, Evelyn and I have different mothers."

The woman frowned dramatically. "But wait - didn't you mention sharing the same birthday? How can that be unless..." Her voice trailed off suggestively.

"The timing..." Murmurs spread through the room like wildfire.

Lila's cheeks flushed pink as she feigned embarrassment. "Yes, my father was... involved with Evelyn's mother while still married to mine."

Gasps filled the air. "So Evelyn's mother was the other woman? That would make Evelyn..."

The unspoken word - illegitimate - hung heavy in the sudden silence. Shock rippled through the gathered doctors, many struggling to reconcile this scandalous revelation with the composed surgeon they knew.

"Please," Lila said softly, "let's not use such labels. Evelyn is my sister, regardless of circumstances."

"You're far too kind! After everything, you still treat her with such grace," the woman marveled.

Lila affected a stern expression. "I won't hear another word about Evelyn's parentage, or I'll be quite cross."

The room fell silent, but the damage was done. Within hours, whispers about Evelyn's origins spread through the hospital corridors like wildfire, becoming the day's hottest gossip.

When the rumors reached Evelyn, she remained impassive. She'd anticipated Lila would weaponize their family history eventually. The gossip meant nothing to her - one couldn't choose their birth, after all. What did legitimacy matter when scalpel skills spoke louder than bloodlines?

Noticing Evelyn's apparent indifference, Lila's smile tightened. Was her stepsister truly unshaken, or merely putting on a brave face? Either way, watching Evelyn's reputation tarnish brought Lila a quiet, vicious satisfaction.