Chapter 185

Evelyn maintained her cool composure. "The doctor clearly stated it's just a minor scratch requiring no hospitalization. You're the ones insisting on staying."

Cassandra clenched her teeth, finger jabbing accusingly. "How dare you still argue—"

"Silence!" Gregory snapped, turning red-faced toward Evelyn. "Victoria needs rest. You serve no purpose here—leave before she wakes and gets upset seeing you!"

A smug smile curled Cassandra's lips as her father took her side. Think you can steal our father's affection, Evelyn? Keep dreaming! She mouthed triumphantly: "Serves you right!"

Unfazed by Cassandra's arrogance, Evelyn calmly addressed Gregory. "Weren't you planning a paternity test with Cassandra? Since we're already at the hospital, I'd like to see the results before leaving."

Gregory's expression darkened. "How dare you bring that up now? If not for your actions today, Victoria wouldn't be lying here!"

Seizing the moment, Cassandra spat, "See, Father? Evelyn wants to destroy our family!"

Just then, Victoria stirred awake with a weak whisper. "Evelyn... is right, Gregory..."

Gregory immediately rushed to his wife's side. "Victoria! You're awake! How do you feel?"

Victoria's eyes glistened with forced bravery. "I'm fine. Evelyn's timing is perfect. While we're here, you should take that paternity test with Cassandra."

Guilt washed over Gregory's face. "No need. I trust you completely—"

Victoria interrupted weakly but firmly. "This isn't just about trust. I want all doubts erased permanently. Consider it... clearing my name before Evelyn."

Touched by her apparent selflessness, Gregory's remorse deepened. How could he have doubted such a devoted wife?

Victoria turned to Cassandra. "Take your father for the test now. Get results as quickly as possible."

Understanding flashed in Cassandra's eyes, but she hesitated. "But Mother... who'll watch over you?"

A strained smile touched Victoria's lips. "Evelyn will stay, won't you?"

Cassandra scoffed. "Her? We're lucky she didn't harm you earlier! How can she—"

"Enough!" Victoria chided with practiced maternal sternness. "We're in a hospital—what could possibly happen?"

Reluctantly, Gregory agreed. Before leaving, he warned Evelyn, "If anything happens to your aunt, you'll answer to me."

Evelyn nodded obediently. "Understood, Father."

The moment the door closed, Victoria sprang upright with manic laughter, her sickly pretense vanishing. "Cat got your tongue, Evelyn? Did you really think I'd fear a paternity test?"