Chapter 278

Liam remained silent for a long moment before letting out a noncommittal hum.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, her fingers absently tracing the worn fabric of the teddy bear in her lap. "I transferred six hundred thousand dollars to your account," she whispered.

Another indifferent hum came through the line. His detached tone sent icy fingers creeping down Evelyn's spine.

She wanted to keep her distance, to sever all ties completely. Yet the warring emotions inside her chest threatened to tear her apart.

The longing was unbearable. She ached to see him again. When words failed her, she simply murmured, "Never mind. Goodbye."

The line went dead before she could say more.

Evelyn stared at the darkened screen, hot tears spilling down her cheeks unchecked.

Across the coffee table, Rosalind paused mid-bite, potato chip suspended in air as she took in Evelyn's sudden breakdown.

"Evelyn?" Rosalind's voice softened with concern. "What did he say to make you cry like this?"

Snatching up her phone, Evelyn swiped at her damp face. "I'm not crying. My tear ducts are just... malfunctioning again."

Rosalind arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly triggered this particular malfunction?"

Evelyn's lower lip trembled. "He barely said anything! Just those infuriating little hums."

A surprised laugh burst from Rosalind's lips. She shook her head in disbelief. "You never cease to amaze me. You cry over nightmares, failed experiments, bad takeout, even when your driving instructor yells at you."

She popped another chip into her mouth. "But this? Crying over Liam's grunts? Maybe we should get those tear ducts surgically removed."

Evelyn sank into the couch cushions, pressing her palms against her closed eyelids. A bitter chuckle escaped her. "You should've seen me as a child. I was worse - a proper little drama queen always craving attention."

Rosalind smirked. "No surprise there. Spoiled rich girl with no real problems. Must be nice to have the luxury of crying over nothing."

Evelyn's lips curved despite herself. "Liam used to panic whenever I cried. He'd get so flustered, not knowing what to do." Her smile faded as she added softly, "And when I'd flirt with him..."

Rosalind leaned forward, intrigued. "What would he do then?"

Evelyn turned away, burying her face in the couch cushions as fresh tears spilled over. Those once-sweet memories now tasted like ash on her tongue.

She'd been the golden child - adored by parents, doted on by grandparents, popular at school, teachers' pet. When Liam showed her special attention, she'd mistaken it for brotherly affection. Back then, she hadn't understood the truth of their feelings.

The shrill ring of a phone shattered the moment.

Evelyn's head snapped up, hope flaring - only to watch Rosalind answer her own device.

As Rosalind listened, her expression grew grave. "Understood," she said before hanging up.

Her dark eyes met Evelyn's. "It's your grandfather. He's critically ill."

Evelyn's blood ran cold. "But he was perfectly healthy when I saw him last! How could this happen?"

Rosalind's jaw tightened. "My contact at Wright Manor says his condition's been kept secret. Only the family doctor and your uncle are treating him - no hospitals."

Evelyn shot to her feet, hands shaking with rage. "That bastard! Is he trying to kill my grandfather?"

Rosalind stood as well. "It looks like he's eliminating your grandparents to help that imposter seize control of your family fortune." She gripped Evelyn's shoulders. "We can't wait. We need to move now."

Evelyn's fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms. "You think I don't know that? But what about my parents? If I reveal myself, they'll be the first targets. And my grandparents won't be safe either."