Chapter 472

Olivia shook her head, her expression calm. "Problems don't frighten me," she responded with a confident smile. "I've always believed fortune smiles on those who take chances. Destiny rewards the brave. Get ready to return to the company."

She paused, studying Evelyn's hesitant face. "And if you're not prepared to reveal your identity yet, I can arrange for complete discretion. Your priority right now is—"

Glancing at her diamond-encrusted watch, Olivia added, "It's too late tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you and your grandmother to Mercy Hospital. Don't stress—the staff there are completely trustworthy and will maintain absolute confidentiality."

Evelyn nodded gratefully.

Though the farmhouse showed signs of neglect, Evelyn and Beatrice had done everything possible to make Olivia comfortable. They offered their best bedding and prepared a simple but heartfelt meal. Olivia felt an unexpected lump form in her throat.

Seeing Olivia's genuine intentions, Beatrice finally dropped her defensive stance and offered a warm, grandmotherly smile.

"Miss Sinclair, you're truly Evelyn's guardian angel. She was meant for greatness—such a gifted young woman—yet she's been trapped in this difficult life because of me. My failure with Frederick weighs heavily on her." Beatrice's voice cracked. "I... I can never repay your kindness. If there's anything this old woman can do for you, just ask."

Olivia gently brushed Beatrice's silver-streaked hair. "Please, don't mention it. Evelyn did me a tremendous favor by sharing her story. Truthfully, my company is facing collapse, and uncovering the truth about the plagiarism scandal is my only hope. We're helping each other equally."

Beatrice clenched her wrinkled hands, frustration radiating from her frail frame. "Frederick and Margaret are utterly heartless. After all these years, they still won't let go." Tears glistened in her aged eyes. "They're not my blood, and they've made their contempt perfectly clear."

Later that night, after Beatrice retired, Evelyn shared another painful family secret. Beatrice had once had a biological child. When she adopted Frederick out of compassion, her own son was still alive.

Then came that fateful summer day when both boys went swimming. For reasons never explained, Beatrice's real son drowned saving Frederick's life.

Despite this unimaginable loss, Beatrice never blamed Frederick. Instead, she poured all her love into raising him. Tragically, her devotion was met with ingratitude.

To make matters worse, Margaret and Frederick had recently leaked Beatrice's location to the press as leverage against Evelyn. Their once-peaceful farmhouse had become a target for harassment, its address splashed across tabloids.

The surrounding neighbors turned a blind eye, offering no assistance. When Beatrice reached out to Frederick for help, his response chilled her: "You brought this shame upon yourself, and now you dare ask for my help? I warned you to abandon her. Let her suffer the consequences alone!" Their argument escalated until Frederick threatened to cut off all financial support.

Yet Beatrice remained unwavering in her commitment to protect Evelyn.

As Evelyn recounted these painful details, Olivia found her thoughts drifting unexpectedly to Alistair.

"My parents and paternal grandparents have all passed," Olivia said quietly, as if speaking to herself. "The only family I have left is my maternal grandfather."

The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across their faces.

Outside, the wind howled through the trees, carrying whispers of past regrets and future possibilities.

The night stretched before them, heavy with unspoken truths and the weight of decisions yet to be made.