Chapter 371

The mention of stir-fried chicken brought back memories of Margaret's cooking for Evelyn. It had been divine.

Suppressing the discomfort swirling inside her, she quickly placed a delivery order before turning to Jonathan. "It's getting late. I should head out."

"So soon? Didn't you just order food? We could share."

"It's fine, Mrs. Reeves. I can eat at home. Besides, I only ordered enough for one." Evelyn struggled to keep her expression neutral.

Judith waved it off. "I don't eat much. Stay and keep me company. There's still plenty of sweet and sour pork left—your favorite. And some soup too. You should finish it."

Her tone was light, as if it were the most natural request. "Patients shouldn't eat leftovers. Consider it a favor."

Evelyn wasn't fooled. She'd nearly collapsed from hunger earlier, and now Judith expected her to eat Jonathan's scraps? Never in a million years.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and left.

Regret gnawed at her. Playing the good Samaritan had backfired spectacularly. If Christopher hadn't roughed Jonathan up, she wouldn't have wasted her afternoon tending to him, only to be treated like an afterthought.

Once alone, Jonathan frowned. "That was too much, Mom."

"Oh, so you can speak? Why stay silent earlier?"

"I was putting on a show. For the police, yes, but mostly for Evelyn. Pity makes her pliable. Easier to ask for favors later."

Judith smirked. "Clever boy. Still, letting her walk away from the chicken soup and pork was a mistake. What if you're still hungry?"

"I like her, but boundaries matter. Once she's ours, she’ll learn to prioritize me. Leftovers? That’s a wife’s duty."

Like mother, like son—neither saw an issue. Still, Jonathan added, "Just don’t push too hard yet."

"Once things are official, we’ll set the rules properly."

Judith wasn’t done. "The hospital’s a trek from home. Cooking for three takes time. Why not have Evelyn handle meals? She can bring them here."

He hesitated. "She won’t agree."

"Leave it to me. I’ll convince her tomorrow. This way, I’ll have more free time while she tends to you. Trust me, I know how to handle women."

Jonathan relaxed. Christopher’s assault had given him leverage. Now, Evelyn owed him care—and maybe more.

His mind raced. Winning her heart meant access to her brothers’ investments. If not, he’d sue Christopher. Either way, he held all the cards.

Closing his eyes, he envisioned it: moving into Evelyn’s home, Judith in tow, living off her family’s wealth.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sat in a diner, savoring a bowl of noodles. Clarity returned with each bite.

If Jonathan sued Christopher, she’d need a plan—fast. Negotiating privately meant hefty compensation, but letting it go to court? That risked everything.

She’d have to talk to Andrew. This mess was far from over.