Chapter 267

Evelyn forced an uncomfortable smile. "Mrs. Reeves, I'll go wash some fruits."

She seized the opportunity to escape the hospital room, finally able to breathe once the door closed behind her. The earlier conversation had left her feeling suffocated.

As Evelyn left, Jonathan turned to Judith with a frown. "Mom, why did you interrogate Evelyn like that? You know she's private about her past."

"Jonathan, sweetheart, don't be naive. If I don't set expectations now, how can I properly welcome her as my future daughter-in-law?"

"You've praised Evelyn's talents yourself. If I don't establish boundaries, she might take advantage of your kindness."

Jonathan sighed in frustration. "You're imagining things. Evelyn isn't like that."

"I'm protecting you, Jonathan! You got injured because of her. I can tell she has feelings for you."

"If I don't step in as matchmaker, when will you make your move? Should your suffering go unrewarded?"

Judith couldn't bear seeing her son hurt. If Evelyn dared reject him, she wouldn't let it slide.

Leaning back against his pillows, Jonathan said firmly, "Mom, I know what I'm doing. Please stay out of it."

'An orphan like Evelyn should feel honored by your attention. She's clearly playing hard to get.'

Jonathan struggled to explain the truth—Evelyn had reunited with her wealthy biological family.

In fact, they were extraordinarily affluent. But Evelyn kept it quiet, revealing nothing about her background.

Jonathan secretly fantasized—if he won Evelyn's heart, he'd gain a beautiful, wealthy wife.

With her family's connections, expanding his studio would be effortless.

But these thoughts stayed locked away. Judith wouldn't understand, and revealing them might complicate things.

Soon, Evelyn returned with freshly washed fruits. "Jonathan, thank you for saving me."

"It was nothing. I'm just shocked someone would attack you in broad daylight."

"My adoptive parents took bribes from the kidnappers. Thankfully, the police caught them."

Jonathan nodded. "Good. I've been worried sick about you."

Judith seized the moment. "Absolutely! Jonathan barely slept or ate while you were missing."

Evelyn glanced at Jonathan, realizing she needed to clarify things before misunderstandings deepened.

After her visit, Evelyn returned to her own hospital room.

But when she opened the door, she froze—Victoria Sinclair stood inside.

Evelyn's guard went up. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you almost got sold as a mountain bride. Came to see if it was true. Pity—you look perfectly fine."

"Was this all an act to lure Nathaniel into rescuing you?" Victoria sneered.

She'd heard how Nathaniel mobilized massive resources to find Evelyn. The jealousy burned. Why cancel their engagement only to chase this nobody?

Evelyn smirked. "Victoria, your pettiness reveals your character."

"Don't get cocky, Evelyn. You and Nathaniel come from different worlds. It would never work," Victoria warned.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Says the mistress? You lost your engagement—seems you're destined to remain the other woman."

"As long as I stand my ground, you'll never take my place."