Chapter 490

Evelyn noticed Mrs. Wilkins exhale deeply in relief. She was glad Zoe Montgomery had arrived to check on Sophia.

"Is Master Dominic awake? Did he mention when he'd be returning?" Mrs. Wilkins inquired of the bodyguard as she approached him.

Before the guard could respond, Zoe strode in carrying a medical kit.

"Did Master Dominic request your presence, Miss Montgomery?" Zoe nodded curtly. "He'll return shortly. How's Sophia's condition?"

She moved toward the staircase, then froze mid-step. Evelyn stood on the upper landing, their gazes locking in an electric moment.

Zoe swiftly regained composure. She shot Mrs. Wilkins a pointed look before demanding icily, "Who invited Evelyn Thorne here?"

"Evelyn merely stopped by to discuss something with Sophia," Mrs. Wilkins answered uncomfortably.

"I see... I assumed she'd been formally invited!" Zoe sneered.

Ascending the stairs, she positioned herself before Evelyn with mocking superiority. "Didn't you dump Dominic ages ago, Evelyn? Rumor has it you were the one who ended things. Always acting so high and mighty, looking down on him. Who are you trying to fool? Showing up uninvited? Pathetic."

Zoe deliberately brushed past Evelyn, shoulder-checking her with calculated force.

Witnessing the exchange, Mrs. Wilkins hurried upstairs, whispering urgently to Evelyn, "Perhaps you should leave for now. I'll contact you when Sophia improves."

Evelyn's expression turned glacial, fists clenched. Every fiber screamed to depart, yet her feet remained rooted to the spot.

Would fleeing after Zoe's taunts make her appear even more ridiculous? She'd come to thank Sophia, but couldn't bring herself to leave the ailing girl.

More crucially, she doubted Zoe's ability to properly treat Sophia's symptoms.

Defying Mrs. Wilkins' suggestion, Evelyn marched toward Sophia's door, swung it open, and entered.

Zoe's head snapped up at the intrusion.

Her face contorted with rage upon recognizing Evelyn.

"Who gave you permission to enter?! Have you no shame? Get out!"

As Zoe erupted, Mrs. Wilkins seized Evelyn's arm, forcibly escorting her from the room.

"Come away now, Evelyn... Let Miss Montgomery attend to Sophia undisturbed!"

Though sympathetic to Evelyn's humiliation, Mrs. Wilkins feared prolonging Sophia's suffering. Immediate treatment took precedence.

Mrs. Wilkins guided Evelyn out as Mrs. Whitaker promptly closed the door behind them.

Evelyn stared at the sealed doorway, a wave of desolation crashing over her.

To them, Zoe was Sophia's savior.

Their actions weren't malicious - merely pragmatic. Just as she'd told Dominic yesterday.

Zoe was Sophia's primary physician.

For all matters concerning Sophia's health, they turned to Zoe.

Dominic must have endured this same bitter pill.

How cruelly ironic. Evelyn's cheeks burned as her heart constricted.

"My apologies, Evelyn. I know this wounds you, but we can't delay Sophia's treatment further," Mrs. Wilkins murmured.

Torn between loyalties, her discomfort was palpable.

"Even if Miss Montgomery succeeds tonight, Sophia may lack strength to receive visitors immediately. You should return home."

Faced with Mrs. Wilkins' earnest counsel, Evelyn's final defenses crumbled. Remaining would only compound the awkwardness.

Pursing her lips, Evelyn descended the grand staircase.

"Take care, Evelyn," Mrs. Wilkins called after her, voice thick with unease.

"Remember your condition. You shouldn't endure such indignities, but with Sophia suddenly ill and only Miss Montgomery able to help... I'm truly sorry..."

"Nothing to apologize for," Evelyn replied evenly, continuing her descent.

"My visit was impulsive. I shouldn't have come."

"Don't say that. Master Dominic would be delighted knowing you stopped by," Mrs. Wilkins insisted, accompanying her down.

"Return when Sophia recovers. I'll ensure you're properly welcomed then."