Chapter 26

Inside the orphanage, Evelyn led Williams to a plastic chair near the courtyard, the bright colors and rough textures contrasting sharply with the doctor’s polished attire. Romaric positioned himself at a distance, discreetly patrolling the perimeter. Meanwhile, Evelyn gathered the children, directing them to a corner of the yard to begin distributing small cakes.

Williams sat with her legs crossed, her hand gripping her phone. Her eyes followed Evelyn’s every move, the way she knelt to speak to a child, the warmth that filled her gestures. There was something almost regal in Williams’ gaze, cold yet intent, like a Pharaoh observing life beneath her throne. The delay was deliberate. Evelyn wanted to teach her a lesson, demonstrating that her time was not the only currency that mattered. If there was one thing that hadn’t changed about Evelyn over the years, it was her relentless desire to moralize.

But the day’s fatigue was catching up with her. She had handled a surgery and an interview back-to-back, and now every muscle in her body demanded rest.

Finally, she stood up and strode toward Evelyn, impatience breaking through her composure.

“Please, I don’t have all day here. I have things to do!” Williams said sharply, her tone slicing through the happy chatter and silencing the children, whose small, astonished faces turned to stare.

Evelyn barely flinched. Instead, she calmly offered Williams a cake. Williams recoiled, refusing the sugary offering and insisting again on the importance of her time.

“Give me a few minutes,” Evelyn replied, unbothered. “I’m finishing up with the children.”

That quiet defiance irritated Williams. Displeased, she returned to her chair, crossed her arms, and let out a long exhale, her gaze briefly locking with Romaric’s, a silent transmission of her irritation.

Sitting again, the sheer weight of her exhaustion settled, and in a brief moment of inattention, she leaned back, letting the fatigue claim her, and closed her eyes.

When Evelyn finally finished distributing the treats, she found Williams asleep, her features soft in rest, stripped of their usual sharpness. She hesitated, then approached, intending to gently tap the doctor’s shoulder. But as her fingers brushed Williams’ arm, the doctor’s hand shot out instinctively, gripping her wrist in reflex.

Romaric watched from afar, ready but motionless, trusting his boss’s instinctual control.

“Sorry, I wanted to wake you up,” Evelyn managed, her breath catching.

For a few suspended seconds, their eyes met again, their hands locked in a surprisingly intimate grip. In Williams’ raw, unguarded gaze, Evelyn saw a look completely different from the stern, powerful tyrant she knew: the wide, dilated pupils of a tiny, frightened kitten. It was a glimpse of vulnerability that was both beautiful and profoundly endearing.

Williams detested the look. Annoyed that she had fallen asleep and been caught in such a weak state, she roughly pulled her hand back.

“Well, I’m going home, since you don’t have time.”

“I’m done,” Evelyn replied, rubbing her wrist. “So, what do you want to tell me?”

Williams took a difficult moment to force the words past her pride. “Actually, I wanted to tell you that the altercation of the other day should never have happened. I was under stress, and I shouldn’t have put pressure on you. If you agree, I would like us to start on a fresh basis.”

Evelyn blinked, taken aback. She hadn’t expected that. So many things welled up inside her — words she couldn’t say, truths she couldn’t reveal.

Williams, sticking rigidly to the script she had forced herself to rehearse, continued, “And so, regarding the intrusion and the money I offered…”

But Evelyn wasn’t even listening anymore. Her main focus was on this woman she had known once, now standing before her, unknowingly asking for peace.

“So, what do you say?”

“Uh…” Evelyn stammered, trying to hide the emotion that tightened her throat.

Williams looked at her, clearly displeased by the hesitation. “Did you hear all I just said?”

“Oh, yes. I forgive you,” Evelyn said, finding her composure. “And as I told your legal department, I agree to resume the discussion to see what comes next.”

Williams was momentarily astonished. “What?”

“I thought you came because you were informed of my return for an amicable settlement.”

Williams remained silent. No, she had not been aware. Her mind briefly flashed to Polo — why hadn’t he shared such vital information?

But she pushed the thought aside. “So, if we can reach an agreement, that’s good.”

“Okay.” Evelyn held out her hand to formalize the truce.

Williams looked at the outstretched hand for a moment. “It’s not necessary.” She turned to leave, signaling to Romaric that they were ready to go.

“You don’t have to be this rude,” Evelyn called after her.

Williams stopped and turned, surprised by the direct challenge. “When I leave the hospital, I always avoid shaking anyone’s hand until I can wash them thoroughly.”

Evelyn’s anger instantly morphed into embarrassment. “Oh! But then you should have just told me.”

Williams offered only a brief, unreadable look before continuing on her way to the waiting vehicle. Evelyn followed her with her eyes until Romaric opened the door and they drove away.

Evelyn was left alone, realizing the truth: Williams had not come because she was informed of the legal settlement, but because she had genuinely and personally realized her blunder.

“How much have you changed, Williams?” she thought, a sense of confused relief and lingering intrigue settling over her.

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