Chapter 294

The downpour lasted for days. When it finally ceased, Evelyn collapsed with fever. She'd likely contracted Liam's virus. For three straight days, she remained bedridden.

While caring for Evelyn, Rosalind secretly investigated Julian for information about Evelyn's parents. It took a full week before Evelyn's fever broke completely.

At precisely 2:17 am, Evelyn slipped into Archibald's private hospital suite. After securing the door, she launched a scanning app on her phone. The readout revealed three surveillance devices - one visible, two concealed.

Evelyn activated her signal jammer. Within moments, all electronic monitoring in the room went dark. She approached the bed and whispered, "Grandfather, can you hear me?"

No response. She gently squeezed his hand. "Grandfather, it's me."

A faint twitch of fingers made her exhale in relief. "The cameras are disabled. We're safe."

Archibald's eyelids fluttered open. The dim medical lighting couldn't obscure the sharp intelligence in his gaze - nothing like a terminal patient's glassy stare.

"You're awake?" Evelyn breathed.

Tears pooled in the old man's eyes. "Cassandra... My real granddaughter. I knew we'd been deceived the moment I saw you at Blackwood Manor."

Evelyn stroked his papery skin. "This is my fault. Three years of amnesia gave them the perfect opening."

"Run," he rasped. "Disappear and never look back."

Tears spilled down Evelyn's cheeks. "I won't abandon you and Grandmother."

"Stubborn girl."

"Tell me truth - have you been feigning illness? Or did they poison you?"

Archibald's hands trembled with rage. "Julian slipped toxins into my tea. The hospital flushed my system, but I dare not reveal my recovery. He'd finish the job."

"So you're playing possum?"

He nodded weakly. "I've bribed my physician to report my condition as terminal. Bought myself breathing room."

Evelyn sighed. "Grandmother's too transparent. I can't risk telling her my true identity."

Understanding flashed in Archibald's eyes. Suddenly he gripped her wrist. "Why renounce your citizenship? You're the last Hoffis heir! Who'll inherit the estate?"

She soothed his agitation. "All in due time. Right now, protecting you both and finding my parents takes priority."

"They're alive?" Hope cracked his voice.

"I refuse to believe otherwise. I will find them."

Silent tears tracked down Archibald's weathered face. His granddaughter's unshakable conviction reignited decades-dead hope in his heart.