Chapter 70
After a brief pause, Franklin's voice returned, initially caught off guard by Evelina's determined tone.
"Indeed, you have every right to seek justice," he quickly replied.
Evelina was considering commending Franklin for his apparent reasonableness compared to Ady and Aurora, but he interjected with a hesitant "However 1
Evelina's expression tightened. "What exactly do you mean by 'however'?"
"During his investigation, Jasper encountered complications. Sadly, Aurora's assistant passed away in the hospital," Franklin explained with caution,hinting that Jasper's aggressive approach to uncovering the truth had led to tragic consequences. This implication meant that pursuing legal action might expose Jasper to liability, given the death involved.
"Mr. Marsh, are you implying that my uncle Jasper caused her death? He is a person with strong principles; he wouId never do something like that!"
Florrie had been quietly keeping to herself, not planning to say a word. But the moment the Marsh family started blaming Jasper, she couldn't stay silent-her face turned red with anger.
Franklin was taken aback to hear Florrie's voice on the call; he hadn't anticipated her presence. He quickly tried to clarify his position. "Florrie, please don't misunderstand my intentions."
Florrie, visibly irritated, dismissed his explanation with a sharp huff.
Evelina, noticing Florrie's agitation, clasped her hand as a sign of solidarity and to calm her down.
She then addressed Franklin, asking, "Mr. Marsh, what do you suggest we do now?"
Although he picked up on Evelina's underlying tone of skepticism, Franklin knew he had to tread carefully to preserve his family's image and safety. He earnestly suggested, "Ms. Marsh, If you prefer to resolve this matter out of court, please specify your conditions, and I will ensure they are fulfilled."
Evelina nodded. "Fine. Florrie, would you mind recording Mr. Marsh's commitment? I'll specify my demands when I'm ready."
Franklin felt a sense of relief hearing her willingness to negotiate.
Florrie made sure to capture this promise on her phone and sent the recording directly to Evelina for safekeeping.
Still upset, Florrie couldn't hide her disappointment."I can't believe Mr. Marsh would go so far to protect Ady. Jasper has always been just and fair,never trivializing human life." She looked at Evelina with a mix of respect and concern. wondering aloud. "Evelina, are you doing this for Uncle Jasper?"
Evelina offered a comforting smile. "My eye will recover in a week. Suing wouldn't bring grave consequences to Ady anyway. It's better to earn a favor from the Marsh family now, but I'll make sure they pay the price in the future."
Florrie's mood lifted on understanding Evelina's strategy. "Got it, that makes sense."
At that moment, Caleb came to say goodbye to Evelina.
He explained that his aunt was gravely sick, requiring his presence in lreah.
Evelina didn't hold him back. Instead,she subtly sent Florrie on an errand before turning the conversation to a sensitive topic with Caleb. "What really happened to Aurora's assistant?"
Caleb tried to dodge the subject at first, but Evelina interjected, "You're a lawyer-just stick to the facts."
Reluctantly, Caleb disclosed the true circumstances.
He continued to defend Jasper's role. "It truly wasn't Jasper's fault that the assistant died..."
Evelina listened quietly, well aware from her years in medicine that individuals are drivento despair only in the direst circumstances.
She knew deep down that no one directly involved-herself, Jasper, Ady, or Aurora-was responsible for the ultimate tragedy that befell the assistant.
Their actions, while indirect, contributed to the tragic outcome.
Evelina was sobered by her first encounter with the ruthless dynamics of high society, recognizing the need to maintain a distance from such toxic environments.
Meanwhile, Jasper,alongside lan, was in the midst of critical economic discussions with Aglonard's mayor.
A call from his niece, alerting him that Evelina had regained consciousness, prompted him to return immediately to the hospital.
Yet, upon his arrival, he sensed a coolness in Evelina's demeanor towards him, unsettling him.
Seeking clarity, Jasper discreetly took Florrie aside outside Evelina's room to inquire about any issues.
Florrie, bound by a promise to Evelina not to burden Jasper with additional worries, including the call from Franklin, chose to divert the conversation. "Cary and Margot came under the guise of visiting Evelina but were actually here to taunt her. Margot, fresh out of detention, was particularly troublesome. I managed to rally some support and sent them packing."