Chapter 6

But Evelyn didn't give her another chance.

She didn't even glance at Lillian.

Her steps were a little shaky, but she walked slowly toward the door, leaving Lillian behind like she didn't exist—just a puff of unpleasant dust in the air.

Soon, her voice rang out in the living room, calm but firm. "Chloe, bring me that pale yellow dress I liked."

Chloe White, who had been listening from downstairs, immediately replied, "Miss, I've kept it for you this whole time! I'll go get it right now!"

The old housemaid who had watched Evelyn grow up couldn't hide the joy in her voice.

She'd overheard the conversation between Evelyn and her mother earlier. Watching the family argue had left her feeling awful. But now things were finally different—Evelyn wasn't throwing a fit over the engagement anymore.

Chloe picked up her pace toward the walk-in closet.

As she passed through the living room, she looked up at Lillian standing rigid by the bedroom door. She let out a soft, almost inaudible snort.

That girl. Always stirring up trouble. She'd seen it clearly all this time, but it wasn't her place to interfere.

Now that Evelyn had woken up and seen things for what they were—well, that was for the best.

Being completely ignored by the two of them, Lillian struggled to keep up her fake concerned act. Her smile stiffened as irritation and embarrassment surged through her chest.

Just then, the front door swung open and a tall figure rushed in.

It was William Mitchell.

"Evelyn!" he called, voice full of worry.

The moment he got the call from their mother saying Evelyn was awake—and wasn't arguing anymore—he canceled everything he had scheduled.

Now, fresh from the office, his suit jacket was draped over his arm, tie slightly loosened.

"Will?" Evelyn's eyes brimmed with tears at the sight of her brother.

In her past life, both her brothers... hadn't made it.

She pushed the thought down, forcing a soft smile. "Why're you back? Isn't it a busy day at the office?"

William took a few steps toward her and looked her over carefully. Her face was pale and drawn, but her eyes were bright.

He felt some relief. "Heard our Evelyn was back to her senses, so I had to see for myself.

"Long as you're okay, that's all that matters."

He patted her head gently.

They chatted briefly. Evelyn mentioned she just needed some rest, nothing serious.

Then William's eyes swept the second floor as if he just now noticed Lillian, who stood by the railing, face shifting between emotions.

His gaze turned colder for a second, though he didn't show it.

He simply turned back to Evelyn and said, "I'm heading upstairs to grab a file. Gotta head back to work soon."

Then he walked upstairs at an easy pace.

As he reached the landing, his peripheral vision caught Lillian's face—twisted in forced calm, with clenched teeth barely hidden behind a smile.

Yeah. Just as he thought.

William gave a cold smirk in his heart.

Without a word, he entered his study and quietly shut the door.

He pulled out his phone and made a call.

His voice was low. "Send two people to keep tabs on Evelyn. Focus on those two around her... Lillian and Nathaniel. I want to know the minute anything's off."

Meanwhile, outside the study—

Eyes darting, Lillian saw William leave and quickly put on a worried look. She came downstairs and walked over to Evelyn.

"Evelyn, is your brother against Nathaniel just because of his background? I mean, he doesn't get how real your relationship is!"

Evelyn picked up the glass of water Chloe White had just handed her and took a small sip.

She didn't even bother to lift her eyes, her voice carrying a cool snort.

"What my brother thinks is his business. Right now, I just want to follow my own heart."

Her tone was flat and firm, exuding a kind of unbothered calm that made it clear—she wasn't interested in arguing.

No matter how Lillian tried to sway her, Evelyn wasn't giving her the time of day.

Lillian realized her usual tricks weren't working anymore. Frustration surged, and she pressed forward, trying once more.

"Evelyn, there's nothing between me and Nathaniel! We're just friends! We..."

"You think I'm that naive?" Evelyn's eyes finally lifted, cold and sharp.

"You two were basically one kiss away. Still just friends, huh?"

Lillian's face drained of color. "That was... because..."

"No need to explain." Evelyn set the glass down with a soft tap and stood up.

She looked down at Lillian, lips curling into a half-smile.

"Once someone else has touched it—even if it used to be a treasure—I can't bring myself to want it anymore."

"Nathaniel? He's all yours. Don't bother putting on a show in front of me."

Lillian's expression shifted, her face going pale as a sheet.

It was like being slapped in the face—she stood there, stunned, not knowing how to react.

Before she could collect herself, Evelyn had already turned away.

"Chloe, show her out," she said over her shoulder.

"Yes, Miss," Chloe replied, then walked up to Lillian with a polite yet firm voice. "Miss Bennett, this way please."

Lillian opened her mouth, wanting to speak.

But at the sight of Chloe's unyielding stance, the words caught in her throat.

Clenching her jaw, her eyes flashed with resentment before she turned and walked out of the Mitchell estate, humiliated.

With that insufferable pest finally out of her sight, Evelyn took a deep breath, feeling the tightness in her chest ease a little.

She headed to her room and changed into a pale yellow dress Chloe had laid out for her.

It was a birthday gift from Alexander.

The warm color added some life to her usually pale complexion, making her reflection in the mirror look a bit more alive.

The girl looking back at her had clear eyes and a firm gaze—her innocence gone, replaced by a calm, post-crisis clarity.

As she stepped out of her room, William was descending the stairs.

"Will," she stopped him, "I'm heading out for a bit."

He caught sight of her refreshed look and bright eyes, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Where to?"

"The Gray Group. I'm going to see Alexander. I'm gonna win him back." Evelyn let out a soft laugh.

William was caught off guard, momentarily frozen. But then a quiet pride stirred in his eyes.

He finally saw that spark again—the confidence of a Mitchell.

"Go for it." He gave her shoulder a supportive pat. "I've got your back."

Evelyn nodded and strode out of the house.

...

At the lobby of Gray Group's headquarters.

Evelyn walked in casually. The receptionist immediately recognized her—Mitchell blood was still Mitchell blood, despite the rumors.

The gossip mills may have said she'd cut ties and turned down Alexander, but that didn't lower her status one bit.

"Miss Mitchell! Right this way," the receptionist beamed, wasting no time in taking her to Alexander's private elevator up to the top floor.

The elevator ascended quickly, and Evelyn stepped out, heading straight for the CEO's office.

But just as she lifted her hand to knock, a sweet, unfamiliar voice came from inside.

"Is Alex not here yet?"

Who was that?

Evelyn's face tightened, eyebrow twitching as her hand naturally gripped the doorknob.

Fiona Turner, standing nearby, immediately broke into a cold sweat the moment she saw Evelyn walk up.

Why was Miss Mitchell here today?

There was already Miss Thompson waiting inside for the boss...

Fiona made a snap decision. While Evelyn wasn't looking her way, she whipped out her phone and typed fast.

[Samuel, emergency. Miss Mitchell is here!]