Chapter 496

Reginald Sinclair and Evelyn continued their conversation. He finally breathed easier, reassured his granddaughter was unharmed.

Gwendolyn studied her niece resting peacefully, memories of the disastrous engagement ceremony flooding back.

Curiosity got the better of her. "Evelyn, what really happened between you and Dominic at the engagement? You've always been level-headed. There must be more to your sudden refusal than cold feet."

Evelyn hesitated. "I panicked, Aunt Gwendolyn. Marriage feels like a trap - watching brilliant women become shadows of themselves after wedding vows. I can't lose my identity like that."

It was a lie.

She couldn't risk her grandfather's fragile health by revealing the truth about the blackmail CD.

And her fiery aunt might storm off to confront Lillian Prescott, making everything worse.

Gwendolyn bought the excuse. Evelyn had always been truthful.

Still, she shook her head disapprovingly. "You're too impulsive, child. Marriage isn't a prison. Dominic adores you - he'd never clip your wings."

A bittersweet smile touched Evelyn's lips. "You're right. I'm used to handling problems alone, but I promise to confide in Dominic... or at least you and Grandfather next time."

"Enough, Gwendolyn!" Reginald interjected. "My granddaughter just survived an accident. I'll support her decisions, even breaking off the engagement. Evelyn's brilliant - she'll find someone worthy. The Blackwoods are problematic anyway, especially that dreadful Beatrice."

"You've spoiled her rotten, Father." Gwendolyn sighed. "But Evelyn, remember - marriage thrives on mutual respect, not suffocation."

"I will, Aunt Gwendolyn." Evelyn nodded obediently. "Speaking of which, Olivia went to get dinner but isn't back yet. Could you check outside?"

"Of course." Gwendolyn stood. "Anything specific you'd like, Father?"

"Just something simple. Get Evelyn dessert - she has a sweet tooth."

Outside, Olivia trudged toward the hospital with takeout bags. Near a mall parking lot, she froze.

Preston Worthington Jr. stepped out of a sleek sports car, followed by a voluptuous woman with cascading curls - Cecilia Worthington, his fiancée.

The same woman who'd mocked Olivia during her forced abortion.

Watching them stroll arm-in-arm, Olivia's hands trembled with rage. The memory of her lost child burned fresh.

That monster showed no remorse!

Disgust churned in her stomach. She wanted no compensation - just justice for her baby.

Spotting Preston's car, a dangerous smile curled her lips.

She dashed into a nearby store, emerging with spray paint cans. Within minutes, crude illustrations and vulgar insults covered the luxury vehicle.

As she admired her handiwork, an iron grip seized her wrist.

Olivia spun around to face a man resembling Preston - but more striking, more dangerous.

Her breath caught.