Chapter 288

"Couldn't you have warned me first?" Evelyn's voice trembled with barely contained frustration.

Liam remained silent, his broad shoulders tense as he strode directly into the bathroom without explanation.

A sharp knock shattered the tense silence. Evelyn sprang from the bed, her bare feet padding across the plush carpet. She pressed her ear against the solid oak door, her pulse racing.

"Who's there?"

"Victoria. Open up."

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat. She threw a panicked glance toward the bathroom where Liam had disappeared. The knocking grew more insistent. "Evelyn! I know you're in there. Open this door!"

After a heartbeat's hesitation, Evelyn turned the knob. Victoria stood framed in the doorway, her crimson lips curled in a smirk that didn't reach her cold blue eyes.

"Ms. Dawson," Evelyn said loudly, deliberately raising her voice. "What brings you here?" Her words were meant as much for Liam's ears as Victoria's.

Victoria crossed her arms, the silk of her designer blouse whispering with the movement. "I've never encountered someone with your level of audacity. Threatening my grandfather with Liam's influence? Brazenly moving into Wright Manor? Do you have a death wish?"

"My mortality doesn't concern me," Evelyn replied, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Victoria's sharp laugh cut through the tension. Her calculating gaze swept over Evelyn, clearly assessing her motives for staying at the manor.

"Ms. Dawson, state your business," Evelyn demanded, gripping the doorframe.

"Julian's looking for you. He's in Grandfather's suite." Victoria's tone could have frozen fire. "Don't keep him waiting."

Evelyn stepped into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind her with deliberate care. "Lead the way."

Victoria guided her through the labyrinthine corridollars to Archibald's private medical suite. The expansive room hummed with state-of-the-art equipment rivaling any top-tier hospital.

Archibald lay motionless beneath crisp white sheets, his once-robust frame now frail. The sight of her beloved grandfather in such a state sent a physical pain through Evelyn's chest. Tears pricked at her eyes as she forced herself forward.

Julian lounged on an antique chaise, his piercing gaze tracking Evelyn's every movement. Margaret hovered near the bed, meticulously wiping Archibald's hands with a damp cloth. She turned, her expression hardening.

"What are you doing here?" Margaret's voice dripped with disdain.

The cold reception twisted the knife in Evelyn's heart.

"Mother, I requested her presence," Julian interjected smoothly.

Margaret returned to her ministrations. "This is a recovery suite, not some common gathering place. Remove her."

Evelyn ignored the venom in Margaret's words. She approached the bed, gently taking Archibald's hand in hers. "What exactly is Mr. Wright's diagnosis? Why isn't he receiving hospital care?"

"Grandfather's medical decisions are none of your concern," Victoria snapped, tossing her blonde hair over one shoulder.

Evelyn bit her lip, glancing at Julian. His intense scrutiny made her skin prickle - was this another test? Another way to determine if her memories had returned?

Julian leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "His time is limited. Days at most. Hospitalization would be pointless."

The words struck Evelyn like a physical blow. Grief threatened to overwhelm her - until she felt two distinct presses against her palm.

Her breath hitched. Archibald's fingers moved again, repeating the pattern. Understanding dawned, washing away her sorrow. Her expression smoothed into serene acceptance.

"I pray for his swift recovery," she said softly.

Julian's face darkened. Evelyn's calm demeanor gave nothing away - no flicker of recognition, no hint of her true feelings. Just the perfect picture of a concerned stranger.