Chapter 243

Benjamin strode forward and picked up the fuzzy object on the bed, grimacing when he realized it was a revolting fake rat. "Relax, Gabrielle! It's not real."

What kind of twisted hobby does Evelyn have? Who carries something like this around, let alone plays pranks at a time like this? And to scare Gabrielle when her foot was numb—Wait. Did Gabrielle just leap off the bed?!

His eyes widened in disbelief. "Gabrielle! Your foot—is it okay now?"

Gabrielle froze, her mind blanking. Only then did she register that she was standing perfectly fine—no pain, no limp. Damn it! I reacted too fast! Now the act is ruined.

The guilt and embarrassment on her face vanished, replaced by exaggerated delight. "Oh my—my foot! It's healed! That's incredible!"

Though the initial pain from Evelyn's adjustments had been excruciating, the discomfort had faded completely afterward. Still, she'd pretended to faint—anything to keep Evelyn from getting credit.

But she hadn't counted on Evelyn pulling such a dirty trick.

Now, everyone was staring at Evelyn in awe, even the ranch doctor looking impressed.

Desperate to salvage her image, Gabrielle rushed to Evelyn, throwing her arms around her dramatically. "You really can fix dislocated bones! You're amazing! Thank you so much! Now I won't have to worry about my dancing career!"

Then, under her breath, she hissed, "You won this round, Evelyn."

Evelyn smirked, leaning in to whisper, "Flattery won't save you. I deal with schemers like you every day."

Gabrielle's smile tightened. "Don't get cocky. Do you really think you've won just because Nathaniel pulled funding from my family? One call from Amelia, and he'll change his mind instantly. It's obvious who matters more to him."

Evelyn shrugged. "Oh, I know. Your precious Amelia is his entire world."

"Exactly," Gabrielle sneered. "So stop wasting your time trying to seduce him. You'll never compare to her."

Evelyn arched a brow. "You're the one staging these ridiculous stunts. I couldn't care less about competing with Amelia for Nathaniel's heart. But you? You're willing to risk your career just to make him hate me. Lucky for you, it was just a sprain. What if you'd snapped a ligament? Would that have been worth it?"

Gabrielle smirked. "I'd sacrifice anything for Amelia's happiness. What's it to you?"

Evelyn sighed. As twisted as Gabrielle was, her loyalty was undeniable. Whoever Amelia was, she was lucky to have a friend willing to go this far for her.