Chapter 441

Ruby's eyes were red like a rabbit's, tears brimming but stubbornly refusing to fall.

"Let it out if you need to cry."

Evelyn knelt on the floor, pulling the little girl into her arms, her fingers gently smoothing the child's tangled hair.

"I'm here."

The faint scent of gardenias enveloped Ruby. Her vacant gaze slowly focused, landing on Evelyn's gentle face.

"Ruby?"

The girl suddenly burst into loud sobs, clinging to Evelyn's neck as if pouring out years of pent-up sorrow.

The activity room fell silent. Everyone held their breath.

Ruby hiccuped between cries, then tentatively reached out to touch Evelyn's cheek.

She jerked her hand back as if burned.

After several hesitant attempts, she finally offered a timid smile—only to dissolve into fresh tears.

"Thank heavens!" The director wiped her eyes, moved. "She's finally responding."

"Miss Roland is amazing. Just a few words and Ruby spoke."

"I heard she used to be a psychiatrist?"

Scarlett lurked at the back of the crowd, nails digging into her palms.

She never imagined Evelyn would break through Ruby's shell so effortlessly.

"Shh, no more tears."

Evelyn gently wiped the girl's face with her thumb, but Ruby cried herself to exhaustion, eventually falling asleep in her arms.

As Evelyn tried to stand, her legs prickled with numbness.

"Careful!"

Sebastian lunged forward, catching her as she stumbled.

"Ugh—" He grunted when her weight slammed into his chest.

"Pins and needles," Evelyn explained awkwardly.

Sebastian frowned, fingers brushing her chin. "You're hurt."

A thin red line stood out starkly against her pale skin.

"Must've been a hairpin scratch." Only then did the sting register.

"Let's get that treated." His expression darkened as he pulled her toward the door.

The director hurried after them. "My deepest apologies! I'll call the doctor immediately."

"It's nothing serious." Evelyn waved her off. "The children's wellbeing comes first."

Scarlett's gaze burned into their clasped hands, a shadow flickering in her eyes.