Evelyn, Tell Me The Truth.

Evelyn didn't go straight back to Serenity Oaks from the hospital.

She made a detour to the Crestwood Public Library.

It was conveniently located nearby.

Her understanding of therapeutic massage was basic.

If she was serious about helping Alexander walk again, she needed proper knowledge.

She was determined to do this right.

She walked into the library and went directly to the medical section.

She found several detailed books on massage techniques.

Evelyn chose a quiet table and began to read.

She became completely absorbed in the material.

This wasn't just a hollow promise to her.

She meant every word.

If Alexander could walk, the constant scorn from the Blackwood family might finally end.

She needed to learn everything she could.

She spent the entire day surrounded by books.

She only took a brief break for a quick lunch at a small cafe nearby.

Time slipped away unnoticed.

Before leaving, she purchased a few key texts she thought would be most useful.

When Evelyn finally returned to Serenity Oaks, Samuel was waiting at the door.

"Mrs. Blackwood, you have a visitor," he informed her.

"A visitor?" Evelyn was puzzled. "For me?"

"Yes, ma'am," Samuel confirmed. "A young lady is waiting in the living room."

Evelyn's first thought was Charlotte.

She hurried into the living room.

There was Charlotte, seated on the sofa.

She had been waiting.

"Charlotte!" Evelyn exclaimed, her face lighting up as she sat beside her. "Why didn't you call? How long have you been waiting? What's the occasion?"

To Evelyn's surprise, Charlotte didn't smile back.

Her expression was dark, clouded with clear anger.

"Do you really not know why I'm here?" Charlotte demanded, her eyes burning into Evelyn. "Evelyn, tell me the truth!"

Her voice was sharp, but the fear and panic in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

Evelyn flinched, a wave of unease washing over her. "What are you talking about?"

After a hesitant pause, she tried to change the subject. "Charlotte, you must be hungry. What would you like? The cooks here are excellent, I can have them prepare anything."

"Evelyn, I came here directly, and you're still trying to evade me?" Charlotte snapped.

She grabbed Evelyn's arm before she could pull away.

She pushed up the sleeve.

The sight was just as she feared.

Angry, deep scars marred Evelyn's delicate wrist.

A collection of bruises and smaller cuts littered her arm.

All of Charlotte's anger instantly dissolved.

It was replaced by sheer heartache. "My God, Evelyn! Does it hurt?"

Hearing the tremor in Charlotte's voice, Evelyn felt her own throat tighten.

Since they were children, Charlotte had always been her primary source of comfort.

"It stopped hurting a long time ago," Evelyn replied, forcing a smile.

As Charlotte stared at the injuries, any lingering rage vanished completely.

Her eyes filled with nothing but pain and sorrow.

"I saw the news about Julian's arrest," Charlotte explained, her voice thick with worry. "It said kidnapping. I thought of you immediately. I rushed straight over. My instinct was right! That monster, Julian! I should have done worse to him when I had the chance!"

Evelyn gently tried to calm her. "Charlotte, it's over now. Julian has been sentenced. I was never in real danger. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. You're so busy, I didn't want to burden you."

"Nothing is more important than you," Charlotte insisted, her voice cracking with hurt. "Evelyn, you've truly upset me this time. How could you hide this from me?"

Sensing Charlotte's distress, Evelyn quickly tried to soothe her. "Charlotte, I was wrong. I'm sorry. I promise I won't keep things from you again."

As they spoke, the sound of a car engine cutting off outside caught their attention.

Alexander had returned.