Chapter 95

"Leonard? Leonard?" Evelyn whispered, gently shaking him awake.

Leonard blinked his eyes open, his lips curving into a soft smile when he saw her. "Evelyn, you're home."

Evelyn's voice was tender as she spoke. "It's late. Why are you still up?"

"I must've dozed off watching the news," Leonard lied, though the truth was he had waited for her return.

After a beat, he asked, "Where were you so late? Did something happen?"

Evelyn settled beside him with a quiet sigh. "Natalie and I went out for drinks."

At that, Leonard's gaze sharpened. "Did someone upset you? If anyone dared—just say the word, and I'll handle it." His protective tone sent warmth flooding through her chest.

Evelyn nodded. "Don't worry, Leonard. I'm not the same person I used to be. I won't let anyone walk over me. But if I need help, you'll be the first to know."

"Good." Leonard exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Alright, it's late. You have work tomorrow. Get some rest."

Evelyn stood. "Let me help you to your room first."

Leonard chuckled. "Fine, fine."

After making sure Leonard was settled, Evelyn retreated to her own room. She showered quickly and collapsed into bed without checking if Nathan had returned. The alcohol pulled her under almost instantly, her exhaustion and the lingering buzz sending her into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, at Grandview General Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Department, Evelyn resumed her usual routine. Lila’s absence for the past two days didn’t surprise her. A cold smirk flickered across her lips before she pushed the thought aside.

She had just finished her rounds when her phone buzzed. Her fingers stilled as she glanced at the caller ID. After a brief hesitation, she answered.

It was Diana.

"Can we meet for lunch?" Diana’s voice was clipped, no pleasantries offered.

Evelyn’s grip tightened slightly on her phone. "Of course."

"Happer Restaurant at noon."

"Understood."

Diana hung up without another word.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line. The coldness in Diana’s tone hadn’t escaped her. It made sense—after everything that had happened with Lila, how could Diana not be upset? With a bitter twist of her lips, Evelyn tucked her phone away and forced herself back to work.

At noon, inside the elegant confines of Happer Restaurant, Diana sat across from Evelyn, her expression unreadable. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "I want to hear your side of what happened."

Evelyn met her gaze evenly. She had expected Diana to demand an apology outright.

Calmly, Evelyn recounted the incident, sticking strictly to the facts.

As she spoke, Diana’s brows furrowed slightly. Evelyn’s version differed from what Victor had told her. With no surveillance in the dining room and Diana absent during the altercation, the truth hinged entirely on conflicting testimonies.