Chapter 125

Evelyn hurried to clarify, "This isn't about the divorce. I just need to talk to you for a moment."

"Go ahead." To her astonishment, Liam's voice had lost its earlier iciness, softening noticeably.

Evelyn glanced at Rosalind, whose face was etched with anxiety and solemnity. Steeling herself, she took a deep breath before asking, "Could I withdraw six hundred thousand dollars from your account? I swear I'll pay you back."

Liam responded immediately, "No need for repayment. It's your card. Use it however you wish."

"Thank you, Liam." Warmth flooded Evelyn's chest, yet an uneasy guilt still gnawed at her despite his reassurance.

The line fell silent again. Sensing the palpable tension, Evelyn moved to end the call when Liam suddenly spoke.

"Is something wrong?" His voice carried genuine concern.

Evelyn hesitated, reluctant to burden him with her troubles when he was already swamped with work. "It's nothing serious. I can manage," she asserted.

Liam simply hummed in response.

Just as her fingers hovered over the end call button, his voice stopped her. "Wait."

Confused, Evelyn asked, "Was there something else?"

After a brief pause, Liam's voice dropped to a softer tone. "Tell me if it becomes too much to handle."

Evelyn agreed and disconnected, an unexpected loneliness settling over her. She hadn't anticipated how deeply this simple phone call would stir her wounded heart.

On the other end, Liam stared out the window with a heavy sigh. His subordinates exchanged surprised glances behind him - never had they seen their commander interrupt an important meeting for a phone call.

They speculated it must have been Harrison Pierce calling, and satisfied with this explanation, quietly waited for the meeting to resume.

Meanwhile, Evelyn approached Rosalind, bank card in hand. "I'm repaying your hundred thousand with interest," she stated firmly. "And I'm lending you another five hundred thousand to cover your father's medical bills and family debts."

Rosalind's eyes widened in disbelief. Tears welled as Evelyn continued, "Truthfully, I'm borrowing this money myself and will need to repay it. Let's draft an IOU for the five hundred thousand."

Overcome with emotion, Rosalind covered her trembling lips. Finally, her father could have his surgery. Not only was Evelyn repaying her with interest, but offering this substantial loan to relieve her family's burdens.

After knowing Evelyn for years, this compassionate act seemed completely at odds with the selfish Evelyn Carter she remembered.

"Thank you," Rosalind choked out between tears. "I'll never forget this kindness. Let me write that IOU immediately."

As Rosalind hurried to the ward, Evelyn wrestled with lingering guilt. When Rosalind returned with the signed document, Evelyn completed the transfer without hesitation.

With her worries eased, Rosalind pulled Evelyn into a tight embrace, her body shaking with quiet sobs. Evelyn returned the hug gently before asking, "Could we... start over?"

"You've really lost your memories?" Rosalind searched Evelyn's face doubtfully.

Evelyn met her gaze with earnest sincerity. Rosalind's teary face broke into a smile as she nodded. She'd never wanted to befriend the old Evelyn Carter, but this woman before her was different.

"Absolutely. A fresh start," Rosalind affirmed, her smile radiant with gratitude.