Chapter 401

Evelyn's phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out with trembling fingers, the screen illuminating her pale face.

A bank notification flashed - Rosalind had transferred another payment.

Month after month, Rosalind kept sending these small installments. Evelyn felt a knot form in her stomach.

Despite living paycheck to paycheck, Rosalind never missed a payment. Her determination was admirable.

If Evelyn hadn't been living under the alias Cassandra, she'd never have met someone like Rosalind - a woman fighting against all odds.

Rosalind had no fancy degree, no powerful connections. Just two hands and an unbreakable will to save her dying father.

The medical bills were astronomical. They'd sold everything - the house, the car, even family heirlooms.

To Evelyn, the money meant nothing. She didn't need repayment. But Rosalind insisted - it was about dignity.

The thought of Rosalind working three jobs made Evelyn's chest tighten.

She hit dial.

"Cassandra?" Rosalind's voice came through, hushed. "Everything okay?"

Evelyn smiled. "I got your transfer. Really, you don't have to pay me back right now. Wait until-"

"Is it not enough?" Rosalind interrupted.

"You know that's not what I mean."

Rosalind sighed. "I know you don't want my money. But our friendship isn't about you being the famous artist Isabella or the heiress to Aldenria's fortune. Understand?"

"I do."

"I'm at work right now. Can't talk long."

"Where are you working today?"

"Day off. Selling handmade jewelry by the pier," Rosalind said.

Evelyn made a decision. "Send me your location. I want to help."

"Sure thing."

The call ended. A pin dropped on Evelyn's map.

She grabbed her bag and dashed out.

In the taxi, Evelyn rolled down the window. The wind whipped through her hair as buildings blurred past.

Suddenly, the car slowed.

"Damn accident up ahead," the driver grumbled.

Evelyn's heart jumped. She leaned forward.

Through the windshield, she spotted familiar figures. Her breath caught when she recognized Liam.

He stood between two crumpled cars, seemingly unharmed.

"Stop the car!" Evelyn demanded.

"Lady, we're in the middle lane!" the driver snapped.

Frantically, Evelyn dialed Liam's number, eyes locked on him as the call connected.

Then she saw it - Victoria taking Liam's hand, leading him toward another car.

The gesture looked intimate. Natural.

Evelyn's throat tightened as the phone rang. A cold weight settled in her chest.

Why wasn't Liam pulling away?

"Hello, Cass," Liam's voice came through.

Evelyn pushed down her unease. "Liam! Are you hurt? I saw the accident!"

Before he could answer, Victoria's voice cut in. "She tracking you now? How'd she know about this?"

Evelyn's blood ran cold.

Just how close were they that Victoria could hear their conversation?