Chapter 468

The memories of suffering she and her grandmother had endured flooded Evelyn's mind, filling her heart with sorrow, remorse, and a growing resentment. Why couldn't they just leave her alone?

Olivia sensed Evelyn's profound despair as they entered the small house. Without hesitation, she extended a platinum credit card toward the trembling young woman.

"Take this. Get your grandmother proper medical care immediately. Once we know her diagnosis, I'll arrange for the top specialists at Mercy Hospital. Don't worry - I'll move heaven and earth to help her, as long as there's still hope."

Evelyn stared at the gleaming card in disbelief, her fingers twitching but not taking it. Suspicion darkened her tired eyes as she pushed the card back. "I can't accept this," she whispered hoarsely. "Not after everything. I won't walk into another trap. Please, just go. People like you always want something in return."

Olivia's chest tightened at the sight of Evelyn's gaunt frame, but she didn't insist. Instead, she followed the reluctant girl deeper into the dimly lit house.

Suddenly, a frail figure lunged from the shadows, swinging a worn broom with surprising force.

The bristles struck Olivia's shoulder before she could react, the unexpected attack making her stumble back.

When Olivia looked up, she saw Beatrice Whitmore - Evelyn's grandmother - brandishing the broom like a weapon, her thin arms shaking with effort but her eyes blazing with protective fury.

"Get out!" the old woman rasped. "Haven't you done enough harm? Leave my granddaughter alone!" Evelyn's blood ran cold as Olivia's expression became unreadable. Panicked, she threw herself between them.

"Miss Sinclair, please! She didn't mean it!" Evelyn babbled desperately. "After everything that's happened... after Margaret Sinclair made me apologize publicly... my grandmother just wants to protect me."

Tears streaked Evelyn's hollow cheeks. "We don't want your money. Just leave us in peace."

Olivia's stern features softened as she recognized the raw terror in Evelyn's eyes. She offered a gentle smile, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not angry, just concerned. This place..." She glanced around at the crumbling walls. "No one should live like this. I meant what I said - I'm here to help, not hurt."

Her gaze shifted to Beatrice, noting the alarming pallor of the elderly woman's skin. "Your grandmother needs a doctor now."

Evelyn opened her mouth to refuse again when a violent coughing fit wracked Beatrice's frail body.

The old woman clutched at her chest, still trying to shield Evelyn even as her strength failed. "Don't... take their charity," Beatrice gasped between coughs. "You're at Westfield University... that's all I ever wanted for you... a chance I never had..."

Hearing her grandmother's words, something in Evelyn hardened. She met Olivia's gaze squarely. "I'll tell you what you want to know," she said, voice steadier now. "But you have to promise - proper medical care, no strings attached."

Beatrice's face flushed with anger and she raised a trembling hand, but Olivia intervened smoothly. "She's doing this for you," Olivia said gently. "Let me help. You can stay right here while we talk - if I say anything out of line, you can throw me out yourself."

The old woman hesitated, then nodded weakly, sinking into a nearby chair as another cough shook her thin frame.

Olivia turned back to Evelyn, her expression both compassionate and determined. "Now, tell me everything."