Chapter 269

Evelyn's gaze shifted between Howard and Olivia. Their demeanor appeared natural, yet something felt off. She pressed her lips together subtly.

"Olivia, I'd like to evaluate Theodore alone."

Olivia stiffened, her fingers tightening around Howard's arm.

Howard's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Don't worry, darling. Since Ms. Roland is the expert, we should cooperate with the treatment." He patted Olivia's hand reassuringly. "Theodore will get better."

The way he said "darling" dripped with affection, yet it sent a chill down Evelyn's spine.

As the door clicked shut, Evelyn immediately locked it. Turning around, she found Theodore staring at her with timid eyes.

"Would you like to talk to me, Theodore?"

The little boy's lashes fluttered.

"Mommy..." His voice was barely a whisper. "Mommy holds me when I sleep."

Evelyn's heart softened. She crouched to his eye level. "Your mommy must love you very much."

"But..." Theodore suddenly gripped his shirt, his face turning pale. "Daddy hits me..."

The words stabbed through Evelyn like a knife. She pulled him into a tight embrace, feeling his small body tremble violently.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here." She stroked his back gently. "You're so brave."

The child clutched her collar, hot tears soaking her shoulder. The desperate grip twisted Evelyn's heart—it was the instinctive reaction of a traumatized child.

By the time Theodore fell asleep in her arms, Evelyn's nails had dug deep into her palms. She wiped his tear-stained cheeks, her eyes icy with fury.

Outside, Olivia paced anxiously.

"Evelyn!" She seized Evelyn's wrist. "How is Theodore...?"

Evelyn studied Olivia's red-rimmed eyes—then noticed the faint bruises on her wrist. The pieces clicked into a horrifying truth.

"Olivia," she said softly but firmly. "We need to talk."