Chapter 80
Isabella Langley approached with a teacup in hand, her face adorned with a saccharine smile.
"Evelyn, I heard you were injured. Are you alright?" Her doe-like eyes glistened, her voice dripping with honeyed concern.
I suppressed the urge to grimace.
At that banquet, it was those very same innocent-looking eyes that had discreetly signaled the waiter to spill red wine on me.
"Thank you for your concern. It's nothing serious." My tone was icy as I averted my gaze and took a sip of tea.
The warmth of the tea did nothing to thaw the chill in my heart.
The entire Roland family adored this seemingly angelic girl. Only I saw through the schemes hidden beneath her sweet smile.
Exposing her now would only backfire.
"Evelyn, are you really okay?" Sophia Roland reached for my hand, her brow furrowed with worry. "Should we take you to the hospital for another check-up?"
I shook my head gently. "It's already been treated. The doctor said it's just a superficial wound."
Alexander Roland abruptly set down his newspaper. "How did you get hurt?"
The air in the living room instantly grew heavy.
Lowering my lashes, I recounted the incident briefly. When mentioning the fire, I deliberately downplayed my actions.
"You ran into a burning building?" Alexander's voice sharpened.
Sophia gasped, exchanging a stunned glance with Edward Roland.
"The artworks were saved," I quickly added. "I couldn't let Charles Lowell's life's work be destroyed."
At the mention of Charles, my throat tightened. That kind old man, even on his deathbed, had fretted over seeing me married.
"We'll prepare the east room tomorrow," Sophia said, patting my hand. "It'll be dedicated to storing your artworks."
I nodded gratefully before remembering something. "Do you know any professional art restoration experts?"
Alexander frowned. "How many pieces were damaged?"
"Not many, but they need specialized treatment."
Edward suddenly stood. "I know Professor Li from the Metropolitan Museum. I'll contact him tomorrow."
Watching my family bustling about for me, warmth blossomed in my chest.
This hard-won familial love—I would cherish it dearly.
As for Isabella... My lips curved slightly as I caught sight of her clenched fist hidden beneath her skirt.
The fox's tail would reveal itself eventually.