Chapter 28

The weight in Evelyn's chest began to lift as she processed everything. Her family hadn't intentionally cast her aside.

Alexander finally composed himself, though his eyes remained puffy. "Evelyn, this is all my fault. I failed to properly vet that nanny. Because of my negligence, you were lost to us for all these years."

Evelyn's vision blurred with unshed tears while Margaret wept openly beside her. "You've found your way home, darling. This is truly a blessing."

Though Evelyn had been holding back, Margaret's emotional outburst shattered her composure. The six men exchanged knowing glances. The first phase of their plan was complete.

Now came the delicate work of mending Evelyn's wounded heart.

Alexander discreetly texted his assistant to handle Benjamin's hospital expenses.

The next morning, Evelyn was jolted awake by her ringing phone.

Still groggy, she fumbled for the device. "Hello?"

"Nathaniel's sharp tone cut through her drowsiness. "Evelyn, where's my watch? What did you do with it?"

She sat bolt upright, gripping the phone. "How should I know? Stop bothering me." The call ended with a decisive tap.

Victoria lived with him now, didn't she? Why wasn't he asking his precious Victoria to find his stupid watch?

That bastard was clearly doing this on purpose.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel stared at his phone in disbelief. She'd actually hung up on him!

Snatching the watch from his nightstand, he stormed out without breakfast.

Sliding into the backseat of his car, he immediately grilled Robert. "Did the hospital contact her?"

"They did, sir."

"You're certain?"

Knowing Benjamin's treatment payments had been stopped, how dare she speak to him like that?

Her meager savings couldn't possibly cover the medical bills.

His call had been meant as an olive branch, yet she'd had the audacity to dismiss him!

Robert hesitated before continuing. "Our investigation revealed... someone paid off her uncle's entire medical debt."

Nathaniel scoffed. "She probably scraped together one month's payment."

"Actually, sir... it's been prepaid for the next decade."

"A decade?" Nathaniel yanked at his tie. "Where would she get that kind of money?"

"Records show she only paid one month. An anonymous benefactor covered the remaining nine years."

Nathaniel rolled down the window, letting the morning air cool his temper. "Who do you suppose did this?"

"Perhaps... the gentleman who whisked her away in that helicopter?"

Nathaniel's expression darkened. He'd underestimated Evelyn. Cut off from his resources, she'd immediately found another man to bankroll her.

After a tense silence, he ordered, "Compile everything on the Fleur International Design Competition."

The unwanted wake-up call left Evelyn too agitated to sleep.

Emerging from her room, she found a strikingly handsome man lounging on the sofa - her cousin Daniel.

"You look just like that actor, Harrison Sinclair," she remarked.

Daniel coughed into his fist. "I get that a lot. Actually, I'm his body double."

Rising quickly, he changed the subject. "I brought breakfast. My schedule's clear today - thought I could accompany you wherever you need to go."

From now on, he intended to shadow Evelyn everywhere. Between his cousins, he had the most flexible schedule - and the most boredom to alleviate.

Film sets couldn't compare to spending time with his long-lost cousin.

Evelyn showed him the embossed invitation in her hand. "I need to register for this competition at their headquarters."

Though Eleanor had secured her spot, in-person registration was required.

Daniel examined the familiar stationery. Wasn't this the triennial competition hosted by Alexander's company?

As a real estate tycoon, Alexander sponsored interior design contests, with winning concepts implemented in their luxury developments.

Daniel's eyebrows shot up. Since when was Evelyn involved in design?