Chapter 248

Laura's face drained of color when she spotted the police officers. She quickly averted her gaze as they walked past, relieved when they didn't seem to notice her unease.

"Dad, how's Grandma doing?" Vivian asked, oblivious to her mother's strange behavior.

Richard snapped impatiently, "Just go inside and stay with her."

Vivian entered the hospital room without another word.

Richard turned to Laura with narrowed eyes. "You couldn't even bother coming back until now. What exactly have you been doing?"

Swallowing her panic, Laura forced calm into her voice. "I just started a new job... Besides, no one called to inform me."

No one had contacted her last night when her face was still swollen from the altercation. She wouldn't have come even if they had.

Richard didn't press further. "Go see Mother now."

Laura plastered on a smile and entered the room. "Mother, I'm here to visit you."

Madam Victoria huffed. "Took you long enough to show up!" Already agitated about her grandson and daughter-in-law, she redirected her hatred for Evelyn toward Laura and Vivian.

"Mother, I'm so sorry about Yvette. I just heard the news. She was so young, but—" Laura feigned grief.

"That wretched Evelyn did this! I know it was her! I'll expose that vile girl's true nature!" Madam Victoria's voice shook with rage.

Laura froze. She hadn't expected the old woman to suspect Evelyn. This could work to her advantage.

"Mother... Yvette went to see Evelyn behind our backs. They might have gotten into a physical altercation and—"

"How would you know she went to see Evelyn secretly?" Madam Victoria's sharp eyes pinned Laura in place.

Biting her lip, Laura answered slowly, "Because Yvette was with me that day. She said Evelyn had been threatening her and wanted to confront her. If I'd known this would happen, I would have stopped her."

Two days later, the rumor spread like wildfire across the internet. Evelyn had been branded the "murderer" who killed her own aunt.

Theodore Goldmann sat in the Goldmann mansion's parlor, tossing aside the newspaper with a scoff. "How delightful. My grandson's fiancée is being labeled a killer before the wedding."

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered, voice steady. "My apologies, Mr. Goldmann. I'll handle this matter myself."

She refused to drag the Goldmanns into her problems and intended to resolve this alone.

"You didn't actually do it, did you?" Theodore's expression darkened, his piercing gaze testing her.

Evelyn clenched her fists as her lashes fluttered. Before she could respond, Nathan descended the staircase. "She's innocent."

Theodore snorted. "Spare me. Ever since your father married that actress plagued by scandals, I knew you'd repeat his mistakes."

He'd reluctantly accepted his son marrying a rumor-tainted actress, and now his grandson was set to wed another problematic woman.

Both blinded by pretty faces.

"I don't care about your so-called 'problems.' The fact remains Evelyn did nothing wrong." Nathan took Evelyn's hand and led her away. Watching his grandson protect her so fiercely, Theodore sighed. This girl would need to pass his tests if she wanted to become the lady of this household!