Chapter 19

Evelyn perched on the edge of the sofa, wincing as Samuel carefully wrapped the bandage around her palm. "Keep this dry for at least three days," he instructed sternly. "No water contact until the wound seals properly."

Eleanor's sharp gaze pinned Evelyn in place. "Now darling, tell me exactly how this happened."

Evelyn's eyes flickered toward Victoria, who suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.

Beatrice erupted before Evelyn could speak. "That accusatory look! Are you implying Victoria did this? After she tried helping you? Look at her own injuries!"

"Silence!" Eleanor's voice cracked like a whip. "Did I ask for your opinion?"

Beatrice's mouth snapped shut, though her face twisted in resentment. Her mother-in-law had always favored this nobody over her own flesh and blood.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "Just a kitchen accident, Grandma. My attention slipped while stirring soup."

Nathaniel studied her with narrowed eyes. Why wasn't she seizing this opportunity with Eleanor present? The old woman would tear the house down for her.

"You stubborn child," Eleanor chided, patting Evelyn's knee. "We have chefs for this. Must you always insist on cooking yourself?"

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered, swallowing the truth. Though Eleanor's protection warmed her, she couldn't burden the frail woman with this petty drama.

Victoria chose that moment to slither forward. "Mrs. Whitmore, I brought those organic supplements you liked. Doctor-approved for your condition."

Eleanor's smile chilled. "Ms. Sinclair, didn't I request you stop these visits? Tonight's a family affair—we wouldn't want to impose on your time."

Victoria's manicured fingers twitched. The audacity! Her family name opened every door in the city, yet this decrepit woman dismissed her like a servant?

The storm in Victoria's eyes cleared instantly. "Of course. Perhaps when Julian's schedule frees up, we can discuss your surgery again. Nathaniel worries so."

"My health is none of your concern," Eleanor snapped. Rising with Evelyn's support, she announced, "Dinner awaits."

Evelyn's heart clenched. Eleanor was rejecting vital treatment to shield her. "Grandma, I left my phone in the kitchen."

She needed air, space to think.

The kitchen's fluorescent lights hummed as Evelyn entered. Then Victoria's saccharine voice dripped behind her. "Looking for evidence, are we?"

Penelope smirked beside her. "Too late. I wiped the security feed and disabled the cameras. No witnesses."

Evelyn turned slowly, a predator's smile curling her lips. "Perfect."

Victoria scoffed. "Without proof, who'd believe your—"

The metal spatula connected with Victoria's shoulder before she finished. Penelope shrieked as the next blow landed on her forearm.

Evelyn blocked the doorway, her weapon flashing. "Since there's no cameras..." Whack. "...no evidence..." Crack. "...who'd believe you?"

When their wails reached a crescendo, Evelyn smoothed her hair. "Funny how that works, isn't it?"