Chapter 16

"Florrie, please, no more words," Evelina pleaded silently, her heart racing.

Just in time, lan appeared with the doctor, who immediately began checking on Florrie.

Just as Evelina hoped they could move past the awkward moment, Jasper's cool, incisive voice cut through the air. "Indeed, we have met before. Evelina gifted me with ten roses."

"Really?!" Florrie's eyes sparkled with excitement."Evelina, that's incredible! You're the first woman to ever give flowers to my uncle and not end up regrettingit!"

Florrie nudged Evelina playfully.ome on, be honest,do you like him?"

Caught off guard, Evelina hesitated, then spoke the truth. "I'm married."

"Oh no!" Florrie's face fell. "You're married and you flirted with my uncle? That's not cool."

Evelina quickly explained, "I've already signed the divorce papers, and the roses were just-"

Florrie, however, wasn't interested in excuses. At the mention of divorce, her demeanor changed instantly,and she clasped Evelina's arm, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"So, you're free then! My uncle is considered Ireah's most eligible bachelor-many women chase after him,but he likes none of them. Neither do l."

Leaning closer, Florrie whispered, "But I do like you."

Florrie might have been sheltered, but she was perceptive.

Evelina didn't know her or Eloise, not even a hint of their pasts, yet she still put her life on the line for them.Women like her were rare-one in a million.

Florrie had noticed that Jasper appeared genuinely interested in Evelina, which was unusual.

Could she, as his niece, not play a small part in nudging this along?

"You're quite the clever one," Evelina said, giving Florrie's head a gentle pat, looking for a graceful exit from their intense chat.

Outside, the Russell family's bodyguards were efficiently securing the captured thugs, while another squad re-entered the derelict factory to ensure no one escaped.

Evelina marveled at their meticulous work and then turned to Jasper. "What's going to happen to these men?"

Jasper's response was terse. "We'll handle it privately,"he replied, a decision driven by the desire to shield Florrie's public image.

In their world, a family's reputation could be its downfall. Just one scandal could attract a frenzy of media predators, ready to tear apart even a well-guarded heiress like Florrie.

Jasper had kept in mind the tragic tale of the Marsh family in lreah, who were among the city's elite yet not immune to tragedy.

Their lost daughter had been subjected to cruel rumors: sold off, seen in dubious establishments, and worse. The girl's mother, Vivienne Marsh, had wept until she was blind, and the father, Franklin Marsh's once-stellar career had teetered on the brink of ruin.

Evelina agreed with Jasper's plan but set her terms."I accept,but l insist on dealing personally with Hayden Reid and the two thugs who initially attacked me."

For three long years, Evelina had tole rated Margot,fulfilling all duties expected of a sister-in-law. Yet, Margot had wished death upon her.

It was time for Evelina to seek justice.

"I don't think so," Jasper replied, his gaze cold as he looked down at her, a faint smirk playing at his lips."There are still matters you and I need to resolve."

A shiver ran up Evelina's spine.

Was he still holding a grudge over the incident with the roses?

Evelina bowed slightly. "My apologies. I was intoxicated. I mistook you for-"

"Does being drunk excuse flirting indiscriminately?"Jasper interrupted sharply.

"No, it doesn't," she responded, attempting to clarify."It was a misunderstanding-you're quite attractive,and-"

So that was the mix-up.

"Really?" Jasper's tone was cutting. "Do you often approach attractive strangers?"

Evelina massaged her temples, feeling the conversation spiral further out of control. Each response seemed to dig her deeper. Suddenly, the gleam of a blade caught her eye. A knife was being drawn,aimed directly at Florrie.

"Florrie, get down!" Without a second thought,Evelina threw herself in front of the girl, ready to take the blow herself.

However, the expected strike never came.

As Evelina turned, she noticed Jasper intercepting the attack,his arm now bleeding.

Blood streamed down his arm.

It had been Hayden, still intent on harm-he had hurled a knife towards Florrie. Quickly subdued by Jasper's security, Hayden was incapacitated and restrained.

Florrie, sensing the smell of blood, panicked. "Who's bleeding? Evelina, are you okay?!"

"It's not me. It's your uncle." Evelina reassured her as she hurried to Jasper's side to assess his injury. just a shallow cut. It doesn't look deep. No need for stitches, and the blade wasn't poisoned. You're going to be okay."

She swiftly took a first aid kit from the medical team,cleaned the wound with antiseptic, and bandaged it expertly.

"You're a doctor?" Jasper inquired, impressed by her skill. The bleeding had stopped quickly under her careful handling.

"No, I'm not," Evelina responded, choosing not to disclose more about her skills.

At that moment, Kristina's voice broke through the tension. "Mr. Russell, hold on! Don't harm her!"

Misreading the scene, Kristina dashed from her vehicle and positioned herself protectively in front of Evelina.

"Look, I know you're upset, thinking she should be accountable for earlier, but listen to me! You must not harm her. She's the Sight Weaver-the only one who can restore Miss Russell's vision!" Kristina said,her hand raised as if taking an oath.

"| assure you, I'm speaking the truth!" she added fervently.