Chapter 223

"Who told you that you don't deserve it? You saved my life. That makes you the greatest benefactor of the Vanderbilts." Madam Victoria's voice trembled slightly, her hands still shaking from the near-fatal accident. If Laura hadn't rushed forward and pushed her out of the way, she would have been crushed beneath the wheels.

"Richard, you're not a young man anymore. Stop obsessing over divorce. Laura has been your wife for years. So what if she faked a pregnancy? She only wanted to give you a son. Was that so wrong?"

Madam Victoria shot a sharp glance at Evelyn as she spoke. "We're family. Why make things difficult for your own flesh and blood?"

The words were clearly aimed at Evelyn.

Evelyn lifted her gaze, a smirk playing on her lips. "How convenient, Grandma. Just as you were about to be hit by a car, Ms. Scott miraculously appeared to save you. What are the odds?"

Laura bit her lip.

Damn you, Evelyn Vanderbilt! You're really here to ruin everything, aren't you?

"Zoe, I know you despise me, but I didn’t save your grandmother with ulterior motives. I don’t even want to return to the Vanderbilts, nor do I expect your father’s forgiveness." Laura stood slowly, her voice soft but firm. "I should go."

"Go where? Sit down," Madam Victoria commanded, her tone brooking no argument. "The divorce isn’t finalized yet, is it? You’ve made such a scene over this. I’ll overlook it because Zoe is being unreasonable, but why must you act the same?"

Richard, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Stay with Mother."

Laura nodded obediently and resumed her seat.

Seeing Richard exit the ward, Evelyn followed.

Madam Victoria huffed and patted Laura’s hand reassuringly. "Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, you’ll return to the Vanderbilt manor."

Laura smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Mother."

Outside the ward, Richard turned to Evelyn with a conflicted expression. "Zoe, about Laura… she saved your grandmother, and she’s admitted her mistakes. I want to give her another chance. Will you forgive me for that?"

Evelyn’s expression darkened. "Are you sure you can trust her again?"

"Zoe, I know you dislike her—"

Evelyn cut him off. "This isn’t about whether I like her or not. If this is your decision, then let her return. Just don’t blindly trust her this time." Her words carried a warning.

Richard seemed to understand the underlying message, but he still chose to believe Laura again.

Evelyn didn’t stop him. Laura’s desperate attempt to win back Madam Victoria’s favor only proved she had deeper motives.

She wanted to see what Laura was truly planning.

Evelyn walked out of the hospital. Spotting Nathan leaning against his sleek car, already being approached by two women, she sighed and rubbed her temples.

Having an expensive car is one thing, but when the man driving it is this ridiculously handsome, it’s a problem.

She strode forward. The two women turned, taking in Evelyn’s confident stride and the way she wore a man’s coat draped over her shoulders. Realization dawned, and they quickly retreated.

"Let’s go. He’s taken. What a shame…"

Evelyn handed Nathan his coat back. "Why didn’t you wait inside the car?"

Nathan crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at his lips. "It was too hot. I needed some air."

Evelyn pretended she hadn’t just asked that. A pang of guilt hit her when she saw him standing outside in just a thin shirt.

Nathan turned, pressing her gently against the car door, his gaze intense. "No more interruptions tonight, right?"

Evelyn’s eyes flickered mischievously. "It’s already late, so…"