Chapter 426

"I don't know much else. Only that she came from money because once..."

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "I happened to see her entering this massive estate and calling the elderly couple inside Mom and Dad."

Evelyn could tell from Gregory's guilty expression that he'd likely stalked Vivian home to learn more about her.

His eyes grew distant with memory. "Your mother was always the quiet type. Top of her class, kindhearted, never acted superior despite her background. Everyone at school adored her - boys and girls alike."

'So mom was gentle and kind.' Though Evelyn had no clear memories of her mother, she could almost feel Vivian's warm smile watching over her. She'd been five when Gregory adopted her. Old enough to remember something, yet her mind remained blank before that age - a mystery that troubled her.

"Mr. Whitmore," Evelyn asked carefully, "do you recall where that mansion was located?"

"Thssa City. Same name as our university. But the place has changed beyond recognition since then. I'd get lost there now. That estate? Probably demolished for some urban development by now."

Evelyn considered this. "Did she ever explain why she couldn't come get me from the hospital herself?"

Gregory hesitated. "We knew each other from the university art club. Years later at an alumni dinner, we exchanged numbers. Then out of nowhere, she called saying someone wanted her dead. Begged me to protect you. I agreed without thinking." His voice dropped. "After that... I could never reach her again. I assumed her pursuers found her."

His regret was palpable. Evelyn didn't blame him. She wasn't his blood - his reluctance to love her made sense. And she owed him her life.

"Anything else about my mother?" she pressed.

"Just one thing." He met her gaze. "Your mother painted under the name Vivian Sterling. But you knew that already."

Evelyn nodded.

"The artist who taught her? Raphael Devereaux. Find him, and you might learn more."

"Thank you, Mr. Whitmore." Evelyn stood to leave when Gregory called after her.

"Evelyn."

She turned. "Yes?"

He studied her - this living image of his first love. The child he both wanted to cherish and resented for existing. The reason he'd sent her away all those years.

His frown deepened. "Don't say I didn't warn you, but... you shouldn't look for your mother."

"Why not?"

"I don't know what happened to her, but she was adamant - no one could ever know you're her daughter." His voice turned grave. "Because if they find out... they'll kill you."