Chapter 79

The corridor lights stretched Evelyn Roland's shadow into a long silhouette.

She stood outside the examination room, fingers unconsciously tightening around her purse strap. Every word of Sebastian Valdemar's conversation with the nurse had reached her ears.

"Mr. Valdemar, Miss Roland indeed has no birthmark on her waist," the nurse's voice carried clearly.

Sebastian's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

A cold smile curled Evelyn's lips. She shoved the door open violently, the metal handle banging against the wall with a sharp crack.

"Does this amuse you, Mr. Valdemar?" Her voice dripped with ice.

Sebastian turned to face her furious gaze. He opened his mouth, but she cut him off.

"I'm not the person you're looking for." Evelyn took a deep breath. "Stop playing these ridiculous games."

Her stilettos clicked sharply against the tiled floor as she walked away. Sebastian watched her retreating figure, the doubt in his eyes gradually fading.

Night had deepened.

The grandfather clock chimed eleven times as Evelyn pushed open the front door. She tiptoed inside, careful not to wake the household.

The crystal chandelier suddenly blazed to life with a snap.

"Evelyn?" Sophia Roland's voice floated down the staircase.

Evelyn quickly hid her injured wrist behind her back. But Sophia had already descended, grabbing her arm with trembling hands.

"What happened?" Sophia's voice shook.

Edward Roland followed, his brow furrowed. "Did someone hurt you?"

Footsteps sounded from the second floor. Isabella Langley appeared in her robe, wearing perfectly measured concern. "Oh my, how did you get hurt?"

She reached for Evelyn's wound, only to be deftly avoided.

"Just a scratch from working late," Evelyn said lightly.

A shadow flickered through Isabella's eyes before she linked arms with Sophia. "Mother, don't worry. Our capable Evelyn can take care of herself."

But Sophia's eyes reddened. "Why won't you tell us when something's wrong?"

Evelyn gazed at their concerned faces, warmth rising in her chest. Yet she knew—some truths weren't ready to be revealed.