Chapter 33

Evelyn stared at Olivia. Her hands trembled as she whispered the terrifying question. "Tell me... did I do something unforgivable?"

She swallowed hard before adding, "And... were there any men involved?"

Olivia shifted uncomfortably. "I can't say for sure. I wasn't with you when the drugs took effect. The doctors only contacted me after they'd stabilized your condition."

Evelyn's breath hitched at the revelation.

Someone had called medical professionals for her.

She pressed her palms against her temples, desperately trying to recall. After several tense minutes, she murmured, "There was a guy in the elevator... I think he mentioned taking me to the hospital?"

"That must be what happened." Olivia visibly relaxed. "I was terrified someone might have... you know. I even called back, but a female doctor answered."

The confirmation eased some of Evelyn's panic.

"Water?"

"Of course!" Olivia hastily grabbed a glass and helped her drink.

Then she reached for the fruit basket.

Evelyn's gaze dropped to the enormous banana Olivia offered.

Her cheeks burned crimson.

Was this a lingering drug effect? Vivid, inappropriate images flooded her mind - a man frantically unbuckling his belt...

"No thanks." Evelyn shoved the fruit away with more force than necessary.

Olivia shrugged and started peeling it. "More for me then. Starving here."

Evelyn gaped as her friend took a bite. Those unwanted visions returned with vengeance.

"Another glass! Now!"

She pressed icy fingers to her flaming cheeks. The drugs had clearly scrambled her brain.

What was wrong with her?

Olivia held the banana between her teeth while pouring water.

Evelyn gulped it down, praying for mental clarity.

"The police arrested both Sophia Montgomery and Penelope Worthington," Olivia reported between bites. "No updates yet, but now that you're awake, they'll probably question you soon."

"They actually got arrested?"

Evelyn hadn't expected justice to come so swiftly. Women like Sophia usually escaped consequences, their victims too ashamed to press charges.

She'd been mentally preparing her revenge plan.

"You should rest more," Olivia suggested, eyeing her pale complexion. Then with a mischievous grin: "Thank God you're not male - you might've literally died from overexertion!"

Evelyn glared.

Footsteps approached, followed by a familiar voice thanking someone. The private ward's acoustics carried every sound clearly.

"Is that Mr. Sinclair?" Olivia whispered, recognizing Robert Sinclair's voice before Evelyn could react.

Evelyn scrambled up.

She hadn't seen her father in months.

But the moment her feet touched the floor, an uncomfortable wetness made her freeze.

"Something wrong?" Olivia steadied her.

Evelyn couldn't answer. If she were male indeed...

No time to change now.

Robert entered with Victoria Montgomery trailing behind.

"Evelyn, you're awake." His shoulders sagged with visible relief.

Evelyn steeled herself against the pang in her chest, focusing instead on her stepmother. "Why aren't you in handcuffs too?" She refused to believe Victoria was innocent.

Victoria clutched Robert's sleeve like a frightened child.

"Evelyn," her father chided. "Mind your manners. She's still your elder."

The words stabbed like ice.

Anyone would think Victoria was his first wife, Sophia his biological daughter.

And Evelyn? Just some inconvenient orphan.

"Glad you're alright." Robert's wrinkled brow furrowed deeper as he patted her shoulder. "Your stepmother spoiled Sophia rotten. Bad influences corrupted her. She's not evil at heart!"

Olivia's jaw dropped at the absurd justification.

Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "I trust the police to handle this. I don't control law enforcement."

Victoria's face twisted. "You're perfectly fine! No missing limbs! Even if Sophia made mistakes, must you destroy her future?" Her voice cracked theatrically. "Kevin, what do we do?"

Evelyn watched the performance coldly.

"We only live once. Why should I suffer for her crimes? Does she deserve protection while I don't?" Snatching her clothes, she headed for the bathroom. "I need to shower. Leave."

"How dare you! I regret marrying into this wretched family!" Victoria's shrieks followed her. "After all my kindness, this is how you repay me?"

The shower drowned out the tantrum.

Olivia's sarcastic retorts carried through the door. "Stop screeching, you hypocrite! Keep it up and you might stroke out!"

Soon, blessed silence returned.

By evening, Olivia left after her parents called.

Alone, Evelyn found strange freedom in having nothing left to lose.

At six, her phone rang.

She froze mid-outfit change when she saw the caller ID.

Dominic's deep voice sent shivers down her spine. "Are you alone?"

"N-no... someone's here..."

A ridiculous hope flickered - that he'd visit if she said yes.

Pure delusion.

"Really?" His voice sounded unnervingly close. "Good. I wouldn't come if you were alone. Improper for a man and woman to be unchaperoned."

The door swung open.

Evelyn gasped. There stood Dominic in his impeccable suit, taking in her half-dressed state.

Her bare skin flushed pink, chest rising rapidly under his gaze.

She'd literally dug her own grave.