Evelyn, Why The Hurry?

After a moment's pause, Evelyn answered the call.

Patricia's voice came through the line. "Evelyn, I know what Julian did. I never thought he was capable of such a terrible thing. I feel so responsible. Could I see you today? I want to apologize to you in person."

Evelyn was taken aback. She hadn't anticipated this call from Patricia.

Before she could formulate a response, Patricia pressed on. "If you don't let me see you, this guilt will eat me alive. We've known each other for years, please grant me this."

Considering Patricia's status and the apparent sincerity in her tone, Evelyn felt she had little choice.

"Alright," Evelyn agreed.

Patricia's voice brightened immediately. "Excellent! Let's meet at that little café we both used to enjoy."

The call ended soon after.

What Evelyn didn't know was that Patricia wasn't alone. Isabella was sitting right beside her. As Patricia hung up, Isabella's anxiety was clear.

"Patricia, what was that? The plan was to persuade Evelyn to drop the charges against Julian. Why did you say you wanted to apologize?"

The genuine tone Patricia had used vanished, replaced by a cold, shrewd expression. She scoffed. "If I'd been direct, she would have refused immediately. This was the only way to lure her out. Don't worry. Once I have her in front of me, I'll make sure she complies."

Her voice dripped with condescension; she was utterly confident she could handle someone like Evelyn.

Isabella let out a relieved breath. "Thank goodness. Julian has been in jail for days. I'm so afraid of what might happen to him in there."

Seeing Isabella's genuine concern for Julian, Patricia sighed. "Isabella, you are truly the only one fit to be my daughter-in-law. You've stood by him through everything. You're the only one who truly cares for him." Her voice turned hard. "I told Julian before—Evelyn is nobody. No background, no connections, a difficult personality. Completely unsuitable for our family. Now he's learned his lesson. Once he's free, I'll make sure he marries you properly. You'll have the wedding of your dreams."

Isabella's face lit up with pleasure, though she maintained her gentle, innocent demeanor. "You're too kind to me," she said sweetly.

A wave of triumph washed over Isabella.

She was sure that while Julian had once been infatuated with Evelyn, this incident would reveal Evelyn's true colors and he would finally let her go. Evelyn had lost. Isabella was convinced she would soon secure her place as Julian's wife and claim her position in Crestwood's high society.

Meanwhile, Evelyn was completely unaware of the schemes being woven. She had no idea that Isabella and Patricia were operating under the delusion that she still held any affection for Julian.

After getting ready, she left Serenity Oaks and headed for the café. But as she approached, something felt wrong.

A group of reporters with cameras was gathered nearby, their lenses focused, waiting like vultures.

Her expression darkened.

She had initially believed Patricia's apology might be sincere, but this scene suggested otherwise. This was a trap.

Without hesitation, she turned to leave.

But Patricia, who had been watching for her arrival from just outside, saw her intended prey about to escape.

Seeing that Evelyn had finally stepped into her carefully laid snare, she wasn't about to let her get away. She moved quickly, stepping forward and grabbing Evelyn's arm.

"Evelyn, why the hurry to leave?"