Chapter 372

Olivia lay motionless in the hospital bed, her body still weak from surgery. The door creaked open to reveal her mother Patricia, who barged in without concern for her daughter's condition.

The sight made Evelyn's blood boil. What kind of mother prioritized money over her own child's health?

All heads turned when the door swung open. Olivia's pain-filled eyes met Evelyn's gaze.

The young nurse exhaled in visible relief.

Patricia's face twisted with growing rage.

"Eve..." Olivia's voice cracked, dry lips barely forming the word. She sounded like a wounded creature, helpless against life's cruelty.

Evelyn's chest tightened at the sight. She strode forward and dropped her purse beside Olivia's pillow.

Gently wiping away tears, Evelyn murmured, "Don't upset yourself. You need rest, not stress. It'll slow your recovery."

Before Olivia could respond, Patricia lumbered forward, jabbing a finger at Evelyn. "You cursed wretch! First my son, now my daughter? Olivia, I warned you about this troublemaker!"

"This is a hospital," Evelyn snapped, turning sharply. "Keep your voice down."

She continued, "Your hatred for me can wait. Your daughter just had surgery. Look at her - drenched in sweat, barely conscious. Is this how a mother behaves, Mrs. Kensington?"

Patricia froze momentarily at the news of surgery, then her fury redoubled.

No one spoke to Patricia Kensington that way - least of all Evelyn Sinclair!

Her voice rose to a shriek. "Who do you think you are? You ruined my son's life and now my daughter's! I told everyone you're bad luck!"

When words failed, Patricia resorted to violence, grabbing Evelyn's hair.

Olivia suddenly sat upright, her hollow eyes locking onto her mother. "What do you want, Mom? If you chase Eve away, will you stay to care for me?" Her raw scream echoed through the ward.

Patricia blinked at her tear-swollen daughter, suddenly remembering her original purpose.

Meeting Evelyn had distracted her from the money mission.

She released Evelyn's hair with false contrition. "Sweetheart, you must get the money. Your brother could die in prison! As his sister, you must save him..."

Patricia theatrically wiped nonexistent tears, playing the devoted mother.

Olivia turned away, clutching her painful abdomen, unwilling to indulge the charade. "Mom, Nathan deserves his punishment. Prison might reform him. I have no money left - you took all my cards and know the PINs. Check the accounts yourself."

Seeing tears ineffective, Patricia threw open the door and collapsed dramatically on the floor.

"Even dogs show gratitude!" she wailed. "I should've smothered you at birth! After all I've suffered raising you, this is my reward? Everyone, look at this ungrateful child! I might as well jump from this window!"

Though in a private ward, the commotion drew curious onlookers from neighboring rooms.

Olivia's tears fell anew, her breathing ragged from crying.

Evelyn's heart ached for her friend. Snatching her purse, she slammed it beside Patricia. "Take the money and leave!"

Patricia's tirade died when she glimpsed the cash inside. Her eyes gleamed with greed.

Clutching the purse like a prized possession, she scrambled up. "Rest well, dear. I'll return in a few days. This isn't enough - earn more after discharge. It's urgent!"

Without another glance at her recovering daughter, Patricia waddled away, arms wrapped tightly around her prize.

Olivia stared blankly at the empty doorway, fresh tears streaking her face. Numbness settled over her heart.

"I've never seen such cruelty from a mother," the nurse whispered, horrified.

Evelyn shut the door against prying eyes and gathered Olivia into a gentle embrace. "It's over now. Don't cry."

Olivia trembled in her arms. "I'm sorry you saw this... I'll repay you..."

Evelyn helped her lie back, tucking the blankets snugly. "No repayment needed. Just rest. I'll stay tonight."

Exhausted in body and spirit, Olivia soon drifted asleep to Evelyn's soothing voice.

Evelyn chafed Olivia's cold hands before tucking them under the covers. Pulling out her phone, she texted Dominic: [Taking the night off.]

His reply came instantly: [Understood. Return early. I have something for you.]

Her fingers flew across the screen: [A hint? Is it a surprise?]

Three minutes later, his response appeared: [My lips are sealed. But I promise you'll like it.]