Chapter 381

The nurse's revelation hung heavily in the air like thick fog.

Evelyn offered a serene smile. "You must be referring to Evelyn Sinclair."

"It was her—"

William's shocked gasp echoed beside her.

Turning, Evelyn saw remorse painting William's handsome features. His eyes held oceans of regret.

"I never imagined she was the one who saved Eleanor. I even—"

He recalled how he'd accused Evelyn of tormenting Victoria. The memory made him sick.

His cruel words replayed in his mind: "No wonder your parents abandoned you. Someone as vile as you doesn't deserve to live!"

William pressed trembling hands over his eyes.

Evelyn had secretly donated blood for Eleanor and Ethan. She'd endured their accusations without protest.

At this moment, William felt lower than dirt.

Now, even his apologies would go unheard.

Evelyn was gone.

"Are you alright, Mr. Montgomery?" Evelyn's gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

William forced a smile, masking his turmoil. "Fine. Thank you for saving my wife, Miss Prescott."

"Saving lives comes naturally to me." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. Turning, she noticed Alexander's devastated expression.

His grief ran deeper than William's.

Evelyn's lips twisted bitterly.

She'd never expected gratitude. But she hadn't anticipated such cruelty either.

Their past words still cut like invisible blades, reopening old wounds with each memory.

Eleanor stabilized after receiving Evelyn's blood.

Evelyn exhaled quietly.

Blood ties mattered, despite everything.

William thanked her again. "Miss Prescott, how did you know about my wife's rare blood type?"

Evelyn's fingers toyed with her sleeve. "Willowbrook's gossip columns covered Evelyn Sinclair and Victoria Lancaster extensively. When I heard Victoria had donated to Mrs. Montgomery before, I guessed our blood types matched."

William stiffened.

The nurse's words resurfaced—Victoria had refused to donate. Eleanor survived solely because of Evelyn.

Victoria had lied.

His supposedly kind daughter had fabricated the entire story while slandering Evelyn.

The realization crushed William. He stood frozen as Evelyn excused herself.

Alexander drove Evelyn home. Exhaustion claimed her during the ride.

Dawn light woke her.

She found herself in her old bedroom, wearing familiar pajamas. Her bloodstained clothes were gone.

Evelyn clutched the pajama collar. Thankfully, she'd worn a camisole beneath her blouse. Unless Alexander had deliberately looked, her identifying mole remained hidden.