Chapter 268

Victoria’s words struck a nerve, hitting Evelyn’s sore spot directly.

Furious, Victoria raised her hand. "Evelyn, who do you think you are, calling me a mistress? Just so you know, my brother is also in this hospital. I promise you, you’ll regret making such accusations!"

"I’ve dealt with countless ill-mannered people like you. It’s amusing how you and Aunt Margaret share the same despicable traits."

Without hesitation, Evelyn seized Victoria’s wrist and delivered a sharp slap in return.

Evelyn’s gaze turned icy. "Victoria, you can insult me all you want, but watch your tongue. If I hear you disrespect Aunt Margaret again, I swear you’ll regret it."

Despite Margaret’s timid nature and flaws, she was the one who raised Evelyn, and Evelyn wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of her.

Victoria stared in shock. "You actually hit me?"

"I’ll hit you whenever I feel like it."

Evelyn’s demeanor turned fierce. She casually picked up a fruit knife from the nearby tray, her voice dangerously calm. "My patience is thin right now. Don’t test me."

"Evelyn, do you realize who I am? I’m the young lady of the Sinclair family! If you lay a finger on me, you won’t leave here unharmed," Victoria threatened.

Evelyn smirked. "So what? There are no surveillance cameras in this room. Besides, I’m still legally Mrs. Whitmore. This is Bern City, not Nord City. What exactly can you do to me here?"

Victoria trembled with rage. "Evelyn, you’re insane—completely insane! Let me tell you, my brother’s company is handling the redevelopment in your old neighborhood."

"Whether you believe it or not, with one call from me, your family’s property will be demolished overnight."

Evelyn remained unfazed. "Oh, if it can’t be redeveloped, then so be it. It’s not a big deal. I’m not exactly desperate for money right now."

Victoria was stunned by Evelyn’s indifference. She had expected panic, desperation—anything but this cold composure.

Wasn’t Evelyn, coming from a modest background, supposed to be begging for the redevelopment?

Casually twirling the fruit knife, Evelyn’s gaze was chillingly calm. "Either way, I’m already in a tough spot. A little more trouble won’t make a difference."

Terrified, Victoria bolted from the room, leaving the hospital ward in silence.

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh softly. Sometimes, embracing a little madness worked in her favor.

Outside, Victoria stormed into Julian’s office, her face still stinging. "Julian, I’ve been humiliated!"

Julian, just back from his rounds, frowned at the red mark on her cheek. "Who hit you?"

Victoria, who had never been one to cry easily, now let tears fall. "Julian, you have to help me. That woman dared to slap me. She has no respect for our family!"

Julian remained composed. "Victoria, you don’t need to make up excuses to provoke me. It won’t change anything."

"When we were kids, you used our family’s influence to bully others. You know that. Why bring up grievances now?"

"Julian, this is different! The one who hit me is Nathaniel’s ex-wife! We’re in Bern City—how could I have provoked her?"

Julian’s expression shifted slightly. "Nathaniel’s ex-wife hit you? Why?"

"She accused me of being a mistress."

"Well, technically, she’s not wrong. I’ve heard Nathaniel hasn’t finalized his divorce yet. And here you are, already engaged to him—doesn’t that sound like a mistress?"

Victoria hesitated before reluctantly admitting, "Julian, the engagement was called off because of you!"