Chapter 18

Crash—

The glass slipped from Evelyn Sinclair's fingers, shattering on the floor.

Her fingertips trembled slightly.

Dr. York...

The surgeon who was supposed to operate on Sophie also shared that surname.

The same doctor who suddenly flew abroad the night Sophie's condition turned critical, forcing Evelyn to chase after him in the rain and nearly lose her life.

"Evelyn?" Eleanor Kingsley noticed her distress and grasped her icy hands. "You've gone pale. What's wrong?"

"Pathetic acting," Alexander Kingsley remarked coldly from the sidelines. "Spare us the theatrics at home."

Eleanor shot her son a withering glare.

"Dr. York..." Evelyn stared directly at Isabella Winslow, her voice strained. "From Kingsbury General's surgical department?"

Isabella shrank closer to Alexander like a frightened rabbit.

Alexander's arm encircled her protectively.

"What else?" His lips curled in mockery. "You think the Winslow patriarch isn't worthy of Kingsbury's finest surgeon?"

Evelyn clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

She stood and bowed slightly to Eleanor. "Aunt Eleanor, I should leave now."

"Evelyn!" Eleanor caught her wrist. "Explain this instant."

"I'm fine." Evelyn gently withdrew her hand. "You should rest early."

She turned away without sparing Alexander a single glance.

"Evelyn Sinclair!" Alexander surged to his feet.

Julian Ashford blocked his path. "That surgeon was Sophie's designated doctor."

"And?" Alexander's eyes darkened dangerously.

Julian smirked. "If Miss Winslow means so much to you, stop tormenting Evelyn. She's settled all accounts with the Kingsleys!"

With that, he strode after Evelyn.

As Alexander moved to retaliate, Eleanor's calm voice cut through. "Stay."

She rose leisurely. "First, explain this surgeon business."

"Aunt Eleanor, it's all my fault..." Isabella interjected hastily. "When Grandfather fell ill, I had no choice but to—"

"Isabella dear," Eleanor smiled sweetly, "let mother and son talk privately."

Isabella immediately fell silent.

Eleanor turned to Alexander, then suddenly glanced back. "Oh Isabella, did you know Dr. York was Sophie's surgeon?"

"I...I only found out later..." Isabella's eyes welled up. "Today I arranged specialist consultations, but Evelyn—"

"Perfect timing then." Eleanor patted her hand gently. "Best not visit Royal Gardens again. Wouldn't want you catching bad luck."

Isabella turned ghostly pale before tearfully excusing herself.

Once the footsteps faded, Eleanor's expression hardened. "Ethan, bring them up."

In the second-floor bedroom, she directed servants to pack Evelyn's belongings.

"Mother!" Alexander frowned.

"I'm done with this daughter-in-law." Eleanor sighed. "Spare me explanations about surgeons or Sophie."

She brushed imaginary dust from her sleeves. "From today, neither girl sets foot in this house again."

Before leaving, she tapped Ethan's forehead. "Missing one item costs your annual bonus."

......

The night wind cut like knives.

Evelyn tightened her coat, but nothing could ward off the chill seeping into her bones.

Now she understood—the humiliation outside the club, the life-or-death chase through the storm—all because of him.

For Isabella's sake, he'd extinguished Sophie's last hope.

Rich heiresses could toy with lives as they pleased, and Alexander Kingsley would always enable them.

Evelyn slowly crouched down, tears splattering the pavement.

Sophie, I'm sorry...

She could never outmaneuver Isabella, much less Alexander.

To people like them, she and Sophie were just playthings for their amusement.