Chapter 98

Evelyn remained composed as she spoke, "This is my decision. Thank you for your concern."

"I wasn’t concerned about you," Cassandra replied.

Cassandra turned and noticed Penelope had arrived. She immediately greeted her with a bright smile. "Ms. Whitmore, you’re finally here. The design you requested is ready."

Penelope strode in with an air of arrogance, her designer handbag swinging at her side. Her gaze locked onto Evelyn. "Did you get fired?"

Evelyn ignored her.

Cassandra quickly intervened. "She’s planning to return to university to continue her studies. You know she took a two-year break, right?"

Penelope smirked. Of course she knew—it had been her aunt who’d forced Evelyn to leave school, all to keep her tied to the Whitmore household, tending to family duties and, ideally, bearing Nathaniel’s heir.

She examined her freshly manicured nails. "Even with a degree, a woman like her would only land menial jobs. Why waste two years studying? She should start working now and earn some real money."

Evelyn set down the files in her hands and met Penelope’s gaze. "Are you suggesting I should be as uneducated as you?"

Penelope’s face twisted in outrage. "Excuse me?"

"I meant exactly what I said. If you don’t understand, maybe you should revisit elementary school. Even children grasp basic logic."

Penelope blinked, momentarily stunned. As Evelyn walked away, she turned to Cassandra. "Was that an insult?"

Cassandra gave an awkward nod. "Yes, it was."

After packing her belongings, Evelyn received a call from Jonathan.

"You left so abruptly. Are you really not coming back?" he asked.

"Not permanently. I just need time to prepare for my entrance exams."

"Fair enough. Just remember to come in on weekends. I’ve compiled study materials for you—check your email."

"Thank you."

Hanging up, Evelyn dove into exam preparations. Two years away from academia meant she’d missed crucial tests. Now, she’d be taking them alongside freshmen. Passing was her only ticket back.

That afternoon, a call from the Whitmore household shattered her focus. "Mrs. Whitmore, something terrible has happened—"

Evelyn’s mind went blank. She grabbed her bag and bolted for the hospital where Eleanor was being treated.

Please let her be okay.

The private hospital was crowded when she arrived.

Nathaniel stood at the forefront, his broad shoulders slumped in despair. Evelyn knew how much Eleanor meant to him.

Penelope sneered at the sight of her. "What are you doing here?"

The moment she spoke, every head turned—except Nathaniel’s.

Evelyn approached him. "Grandmother Eleanor has always been kind to me. It’s only right that I’m here."

Ignoring the hostile stares, she stood beside Nathaniel. "What happened? Why did she collapse?"