Chapter 292

Evelyn reached for her phone when she saw Wesley's name flashing on the screen. Without hesitation, she answered.

"Evelyn, happy New Year!" Wesley's cheerful voice rang through the line.

She laughed softly. "Wesley, happy New Year's Eve! Save the official greeting for tomorrow."

"Hahaha! Have you all had dinner yet? I meant to call later, but the hospital just gave me some incredible news—I couldn't wait to share it with you." He paused, excitement lacing his tone. "Eric can sit up now! He’s regaining consciousness, bit by bit."

Evelyn gasped. "That’s wonderful!"

"Evelyn, he and his family want to thank you. They’re planning to visit after the holidays," Wesley added.

"There’s no need for that. I’ll go see him myself after New Year’s. Right now, his only focus should be recovery. Everything else can wait."

"But they insist on covering his medical expenses. They asked me what would be a fair amount. I told them they should discuss it with you."

Evelyn fell silent for a moment. "I was only finishing Professor Whitmore’s work. If they want to pay, direct them to his family at the previously agreed rate."

Wesley sighed. "I knew you’d say that."

"Professor Whitmore left us too soon." Her voice turned somber. "Even now, it’s hard to accept. He saved so many lives, yet he was taken from us so early."

"Maybe God saw how exhausted he was and let him rest." Wesley’s tone softened. "Evelyn, try not to dwell on it."

"I should be the one visiting you," she said. "I’ll bring Lily and Henry along."

"Perfect! I’m free after the second day of New Year’s. Come anytime."

"Deal."

After hanging up, Evelyn carried Lily back to the dining table. Clara passed her a steaming bowl of ravioli.

"Mom, these are huge today." Evelyn eyed the dumplings with amusement. "Did you sneak the lucky coin into mine?"

Clara simply smiled.

Evelyn took a careful bite, her teeth clicking against something hard. She pulled out the coin, grinning. "I knew you loved me most! This means I’ll have the best luck next year!"

Julian scoffed, popping a ravioli into his mouth. Moments later, he produced another coin.

"Clara put them in all of them. I saw her do it."

Evelyn pouted. "Mom, that ruins the magic!"

"Why? I want all of you to have good fortune!" Clara retorted.

"Fine, but if there was only one lucky ravioli, who would you give it to?" Evelyn teased.

Clara rolled her eyes at her daughter’s antics. "You, obviously. If you’re lucky, you can take care of Lily, Henry, and Julian."

Evelyn beamed.

After the meal, she shooed Clara off to rest while Julian helped her with the dishes.

Soon, it was the third day of the New Year.

Clara left early to visit her old home. Not long after, Evelyn took the kids and headed out.

Nathan had invited Julian over, so she chose that day to visit Wesley.

"Evelyn, let’s go skiing!" Wesley suggested excitedly. "They’ve built a snow palace there—it’s breathtaking. I’ll take photos of you three."

"Okay!" Evelyn agreed, seeing the sparkle in her children’s eyes.

At the same time, in the back of a sleek Rolls-Royce, Sophia pressed her face against the window, mesmerized by the falling snow.

Dominic had reserved the entire snow palace for the day so she could play without crowds. Sophia loved the snow but hated noise, so he always arranged private outings. Today, Zoe had joined them—at Dominic’s request.

He barely glanced at Zoe, but even so, he noticed how frail she looked. He didn’t know if it was exhaustion from dealing with him or the toll of Sophia’s treatments.

Soon, Sophia would undergo her second surgery. He needed Zoe in top condition.