Chapter 27

Evelyn Carter dashed into the private hospital, her heart pounding as she handed over three years' worth of savings to cover Benjamin Foster's medical bills.

The facility was exorbitantly priced, but it offered the finest care—giving Benjamin the best shot at recovery.

Still, the cost was staggering: 100,000 dors per month.

Evelyn pressed her fingers to her temples. She had forgotten—Nathaniel Whitmore's family had been covering the expenses. Now that their divorce was final, he had no obligation to continue.

Her grip tightened around the competition invitation in her hand. First place meant a million-dor prize.

She quickly texted Sophia Bennett. "Soph, remember the details about the Fleur International Design Competition? Send me everything. I'm entering this year."

Sophia replied instantly. "Finally! With your talent, you'll dominate. Everyone still talks about your old alias."

Evelyn traced the embossed lettering on the invitation.

It was time for a fresh start.

When she returned home, she found Alexander Montgomery waiting with a group—a woman and five strikingly handsome men. Her brothers and cousins?

Alexander stepped forward. "Evelyn, meet Olivia, my wife and your sister-in-law. These are Sebastian and Julian, your older brothers. And these three—Christopher, Andrew, and Daniel—are your cousins."

Evelyn's chest tightened. She offered a small nod, unsure how to react. The unfamiliarity made her stiff.

Then Margaret Dawson spoke up. "Evelyn, the hospital just called. They need payment."

"I've already handled it, Aunt Margaret," Evelyn assured.

Sebastian cut in. "How much more do you need? We can help."

Six pairs of eyes locked onto her, brimming with something desperate—hope.

They wanted her to ask. They had more than enough to give.

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm fine for now."

She assumed they struggled financially too. She wouldn't burden them.

Winning the competition would solve everything.

Unbeknownst to her, her brothers and cousins had been ready to empty their accounts for her. Her refusal crushed them.

Daniel broke the silence. "You're amazing, Evelyn. But remember, you're not alone anymore. We're here. Use us."

Evelyn nodded. "I will."

Having a family only made her more determined to stand on her own.

Then, the question she'd held back spilled out. "Why was I abandoned? Was it because I was a girl?"

The room froze.

Alexander's hands covered his face. When he finally looked up, his eyes were red-rimmed. "Evelyn, you were cherished. We never abandoned you."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Then how did I end up alone?"

The question had festered for years. She'd been too afraid to ask, fearing the answer would confirm her worst fears—that she'd been unwanted.

But seeing them now—their love, their pain—she had to know.

Alexander's voice cracked. "Ask Andrew."

Andrew Montgomery adjusted his glasses. "Your parents died in a car accident. Their rivals sabotaged the family business, bankrupting us. Debts piled up. You were just a baby. The nanny... lost you." His throat worked. "We searched for you for twenty years."