Chapter 471

The devastating revelation hit Evelyn like a tidal wave. Frederick wasn't Beatrice's biological son at all - just an orphan she'd taken in and raised as her own. Beatrice had poured her entire heart into raising him, never imagining he'd abandon her the moment fortune smiled upon him.

Beatrice had welcomed Evelyn into her home out of pure compassion, shouldering responsibility for the young woman's tragic circumstances. Though bound by no blood relation, they became each other's anchor in this cruel world, clinging to the fragile connection that remained Evelyn's sole comfort.

Tears cascaded down Evelyn's cheeks as she choked out, "I know Margaret stole my designs. She framed me, but what choice do I have? My mother...she's indirectly responsible for her mother's death. Olivia, do you think it was my mother's fault? Should she have stayed silent?"

Olivia's heart ached as she handed Evelyn a tissue. A soft sigh escaped her lips, weighed down by the tragic tapestry of events that had shaped Evelyn's life.

"Let me share my perspective," Olivia said gently. "If your mother hadn't spoken up then, your family would have endured endless harassment. Frederick would have continued manipulating her, using you as leverage."

"Your mother might have been driven to utter despair. Or perhaps Frederick would have simply moved on to another woman. Think about it - how would Frederick's wife have reacted then? Given his reputation as a playboy, he'd certainly had other affairs. How do you suppose his wife coped with that?"

Evelyn carefully reconstructed the memories - Frederick's wife's deteriorating health during that period. She recalled the frantic hospital visit, the doctor's furious words to Frederick and Margaret: "I warned you both about her severe bipolar disorder! How could you let her near the balcony?"

At the time, consumed by guilt, neither Evelyn nor her mother had grasped the full implications.

"The true villain here is Frederick, not you," Olivia continued firmly. "You were deceived. You never intended to disrupt anyone's life. You merely sought the truth in desperation. Margaret has wronged you for years. This must end."

Evelyn looked up, dazed. "So...I don't owe her anything?"

Olivia offered a reassuring smile. "You never did."

Evelyn rose, a moment of clarity washing over her, then hesitated and sank back down. "But what's the point now? The damage is done. There's no undoing it."

Gratitude shone in Evelyn's tear-filled eyes. "Miss Sinclair, thank you for listening. You're the first to take my side. And thank you for covering Grandmother's medical bills. I don't know how to repay you. I was so unreasonable earlier!"

Overcome, Evelyn bowed her head, tears streaming freely.

Olivia quickly reached out, lifting her up, her heart breaking at the sight of Evelyn's distress.

Evelyn was younger than Olivia - a constant reminder of little Isabelle. A nagging worry plagued Olivia: Would Isabelle face similar bullying and false accusations when she grew older? What battles might she have to fight?

After comforting Evelyn, Olivia revealed her plan. "I want you to return to Sinclair Enterprises and resume your work as a designer."

Evelyn recoiled in shock. "Miss Sinclair, please reconsider! I'm not fit to work for you now. I'm no designer at this point. I'd only bring you trouble."