The room fell silent.

Everyone looked at Thomas Watson.

Then they turned to Julian Evans.

Julian looked stunned.

Did his uncle arrange the private room?

Linda Lowell quickly caught on. "Young Master Julian, so you asked Mr. Vance..."

Julian's face stiffened.

Thomas smiled. "Ms. Evelyn Ross asked our boss to arrange it. Did you also approach him, Young Master Julian?"

Julian wished the floor would swallow him.

He stammered, "I made a few calls... It must have been a misunderstanding."

Isabella Ashcroft felt utterly embarrassed.

She clenched her fists, seeing Julian as less perfect for the first time.

Sophia Ashcroft broke the silence. "Please thank Mr. Vance for me. I will visit Mrs. Eleanor Vance when I feel better."

Thomas nodded. "As long as you are comfortable, Ms. Evelyn is happy. That brings joy to Mrs. Vance too."

His words clearly elevated Evelyn's status.

The others felt a weight in their hearts.

Only Sophia was genuinely pleased.

Knowing Evelyn had someone looking out for her put her mind at ease.

Evelyn was slightly surprised.

She hadn't expected Alexander Vance to help.

She glanced at Linda, a faint, mocking smile on her lips.

Linda was provoked. "What are you so smug about? Think you're special with a powerful backer?"

"Enough!" William Ashcroft snapped. "My wife needs rest. Go home. Now!"

Linda pleaded, "William, I—"

"Get out!"

Linda shot a hateful look at Evelyn before storming off.

Evelyn turned to Sophia. "Did you sleep well last night, Madam?"

Sophia tightened her grip on the hidden medicine bottle. "Very well. I haven't slept that soundly in years."

"Good."

Evelyn offered no further explanation. She nodded and prepared to leave.

She and Thomas exited the room, finding Alexander waiting in the hallway.

The man stood tall in his tailored suit, leaning against the wall, focused on his phone.

His tousled hair partly obscured his sharp, handsome features.

Hearing them, he looked up. His deep eyes met hers. "Grandmother was concerned. She asked me to check."

His voice was low and pleasant.

A warmth spread through Evelyn's heart. "Thank you."

Her peach-blossom eyes were clear, her smile radiant.

Alexander was momentarily captivated.

The door opened again. Julian and Isabella stepped out.

Seeing Alexander and Evelyn together, Isabella felt threatened.

Julian's face darkened. "Uncle, what are you doing here?"

Alexander's tone was cool. "Do I need to report my movements to you?"

An invisible pressure filled the air.

Julian's palms grew damp. "That's not what I meant."

He glared at Evelyn.

The girl was breathtakingly beautiful.

Standing next to Alexander, they looked perfectly matched.

Jealousy churned inside Julian. "Ms. Evelyn, you've been at the hospital constantly. Doesn't your husband mind?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alexander. "I believe he doesn't."

Julian's expression soured.

He was about to say more when Alexander spoke. "Heading back? Grandmother is waiting."

Back...

Evelyn paused.

It had been a long time since she had a place to return to.

She had no home.

She lowered her gaze with a faint smile. "Let's go back."

They turned and walked away.

Julian watched Evelyn's retreating figure, his eyes dark and intense.

In that moment, he wanted to throw caution to the wind and reclaim her.

Isabella clung to his arm. "Julian, I will help you secure Dr. Nan..."

Julian snapped back to reality. "Good."

"I'll walk you downstairs."

"Alright."

After seeing Julian off, Isabella felt a deeper sense of crisis.

She returned to the room. Seeing Sophia up and moving, her eyes flickered.

She went to tidy the bed and suddenly gasped. "Mom, why is there a medicine bottle here?"

William frowned. "That unregulated drug from Evelyn? Sophia, why did you bring it back?"

Sophia explained, "I took one last night. It seemed effective..."

"Impossible! The sleeping pill worked!"

William snatched the bottle. "Taking random medicine could harm your health!"

Sophia urged, "Don't throw it away. I won't take it tonight. Let's see which medicine actually works."

William sighed. "...Fine."

Night fell.

Nanny Nancy held the sleeping pill like it was a miracle cure.

She watched Sophia take it, turned off the light, and tiptoed out.

The room grew quiet.

Half an hour passed with no sound from inside.

Nancy was thrilled. "Young Master Julian's medicine saved Madam! She hasn't slept through the night in over twenty years..."

Isabella feigned modesty. "Please, don't mention it. The room wasn't arranged by Julian. It was so embarrassing today..."

William stated, "The medicine is more important than the room! Julian helped greatly. He didn't show off like Evelyn did."

He glanced disdainfully at Evelyn's medicine. "Nanny Nancy, dispose of this questionable drug immediately!"

As soon as he finished speaking, violent coughing erupted from the room.