Chapter 314

"Evelyn, even so, there's no need for you to resign."

Jonathan's voice was calm, but his fingers tapped restlessly against the desk. "The studio environment is relaxed, and you shouldn't feel it's unfair to your colleagues just because of your unique situation."

Evelyn blinked in surprise as he continued, "Evelyn, given everything we've been through together, I think you can sense how I feel about you. Do you... feel the same?"

Her response was immediate. "I'm sorry, Jonathan. I've only ever seen you as a friend."

A shadow of disappointment crossed his face, but he masked it quickly. After a brief silence, he exhaled slowly. "Then how about a compromise? You could switch to working weekends instead."

His tone turned persuasive. "Your talent has brought so much business to this studio. If you leave abruptly, it would hurt us all."

"Please," he added, his voice softening. "For the sake of our friendship. Could you at least consider coming in on weekends?"

Evelyn hesitated, her gaze lingering on the faint scar above his eyebrow—a remnant of an accident years ago. Finally, she nodded. "Alright."

Relief washed over him. "And Evelyn, about my mother's mistake yesterday... please don't hold it against her."

She offered a small smile. "Don't worry. It's not an issue."

Returning to her seat, she felt distracted. Tomorrow was Eleanor's surgery, and the thought made her stomach twist with nerves.

That evening, she waited for Julian to finish work before bringing it up.

His expression remained steady as he reassured her. "Grandmother Eleanor's condition has been stable. If the surgery goes as planned, there shouldn't be any complications. You don’t need to worry."

She let out a slow breath. That was something, at least.

The next morning, Evelyn woke early, her mind already racing.

Margaret raised an eyebrow as she entered the kitchen. "You're up before sunrise. Don't your Monday lectures start in the afternoon?"

Evelyn hesitated. "Aunt Margaret, Eleanor is having surgery today. I need to be there."

Margaret's face softened. "Of course. Go. Eleanor is a strong woman. I’m sure everything will go smoothly."

Evelyn had barely slept, her thoughts tangled in worry.

In the taxi, her stomach growled loudly. The twins were making their displeasure known.

She stopped at a café near the hospital, grabbing a quick breakfast.

As she stepped onto the hospital grounds, a sleek sports car screeched past, nearly hitting her.

She jerked back, her soy milk splashing onto the pavement.

Victoria stepped out of the car, smirking. "Evelyn, I always thought you were fearless. Guess even you have moments of weakness."

Evelyn's eyes darkened.

Her hand instinctively cradled her belly before she bent down, scooping up the spilled soy milk—and hurling it straight at Victoria's car.

The liquid splattered across the leather seats.

Victoria gasped. "Are you insane? Do you have any idea how much this car costs? You couldn’t afford it in ten lifetimes!"

Without a word, Evelyn grabbed a fistful of Victoria's hair, yanking her close. Her voice was ice. "Try me."