Chapter 432

Evelyn and her companions arrived at Blackwood Manor. She discussed her plan to take Donovan overseas for treatment with Richard and Eleanor. Both parents immediately voiced their support. They were desperate to try anything that might save their son. The real challenge would be convincing Donovan himself to agree to treatment in Solterra. Richard and Eleanor left the final decision entirely in Evelyn's hands.

When Evelyn visited Donovan at Maple Abode, she barely recognized him. He'd shaved his scruffy beard and cut his unruly hair short. Dressed in crisp white loungewear, he looked almost refreshed. Yet his body remained alarmingly thin, his movements sluggish as if moving through water.

Rosalind wheeled Donovan onto the sunlit balcony. He sat motionless with closed eyes, not reacting when Evelyn greeted him.

Evelyn introduced Nathaniel to Rosalind. Over coffee in the living room, Evelyn explained their purpose. When she suggested taking Donovan to Solterra immediately, Rosalind's eyebrows shot up. "Today? Why the rush?"

Evelyn sighed. "I'm sorry it's so sudden, Rosalind. I want to arrange specialized treatment abroad. Will you come with us?"

"Of course," Rosalind agreed, then hesitated. "But getting his cooperation won't be simple."

Evelyn glanced at Donovan basking in sunlight. He resembled a dying plant starved of water. She approached and knelt beside his wheelchair, taking his limp hand in hers. His hollow cheeks and sunken eyes broke her heart.

"Donovan, will you let me take you abroad for treatment? Your legs can heal. The blindness is from head trauma - it's not permanent. Please don't give up." She squeezed his icy fingers. "Does nothing in this world matter to you anymore? Your family loves you. They want to see you recover. Wouldn't you want to live if you could walk and see again?"

Silence.

Rosalind stepped forward. "Evelyn, save your breath. I've recited every motivational quote and self-help book daily. Nothing gets through."

Evelyn looked up worriedly. "Then what do we do?"

Rosalind helped Evelyn stand before gripping Donovan's wheelchair handles. Leaning close, she spoke directly to his closed eyelids. "Listen carefully. We're taking you to Solterra for treatment. Your opinion doesn't matter - we're doing this."

Straightening, she smiled at Evelyn. "There. He agreed."

Evelyn blinked between Rosalind and the unresponsive Donovan.

"I'll pack our things. Wait here," Rosalind said, heading upstairs.

Rosalind Baskins approached Evelyn, glancing between Donovan and the stairs before whispering, "Evelyn, doesn't Mr. Blackwood seem...different?"

"How so?"

"Last visits, he'd scream and throw things to drive us away. Now he's like an empty shell," Rosalind observed.

Evelyn lowered her voice. "Maybe Rosalind calmed him."

"More like took control of him."

Evelyn startled. "Rosalind? Controlling Donovan?"

Rosalind pressed her lips together and gave a firm nod.