Alice and Evelyn didn’t see each other that afternoon since it was time for elective classes.
To push her plan further, Alice went home early and acted like she’d skipped school completely.
She curled up in bed, looking all weak and pitiful under her blanket.
But when Evelyn came in and headed downstairs, she didn’t say a single word of concern.
Still hiding under the blanket, Alice unconsciously clenched her hands.
That bitch has gone too far!
If she hadn’t snuck that money into my bag, Dad wouldn’t have hit me today!
Now she acts like nothing happened. She doesn’t even bother saying sorry!
Alice clenched her teeth, anger boiling up inside her like wildfire. It took over until she could barely breathe.
She didn’t go downstairs until dinner, finally managing to pull herself together.
The dining table was square, perfect for four people, one on each side.
The usually relaxed and cheerful vibe felt tense and awkward now. It was all thanks to the stolen money incident.
Zaid’s mood had taken a sharp dive. His expression was completely stormy.
Alice was tense, worried he’d lash out and hit her again.
Yvonne felt just as anxious.
Evelyn’s attitude today had completely blindsided her.
Someone who always came off as quiet and obedient had suddenly turned sly. She’d even managed to trick Alice, who foolishly put on a whole show of playing the victim while being the guilty one herself.
Was it possible she knew something?
With her thoughts spinning, Yvonne gently suggested, “Evelyn, how about you and Alice hit the ice rink this weekend? You both deserve a break from school.”
“Sure!” Evelyn answered with a grin. “Alice has been wanting to try the ice cream there. We’ll go together.”
Her fair, delicate face gave nothing away. Her tone and actions seemed completely normal.
Like always, she played the part of the perfect elder sister, always putting Alice first.
Yvonne had reminded Evelyn for years that, since Alice had gotten sick because of her, she owed it to her sister and must treat Alice well.
Yvonne stared at Evelyn but saw no sign of dishonesty.
She had to let it go and convince herself Evelyn hadn’t changed.
Maybe Alice had misplaced the money, and she thought she’d put it away.
That mess never should’ve happened.
If she hadn’t stepped in for Alice earlier, her daughter wouldn’t be eating dinner so comfortably right now.
Trying to move past the tension, Yvonne shifted topics.
“Once you graduate, we should talk about your marriage.”
Evelyn didn’t look up from her soup as she replied coldly, “That won’t be necessary.”
“What do you mean? You’ll be 22 soon. That’s not exactly young. It’s best to get married soon. When you meet someone good, you need to hold on. Your father and I married within three months of meeting.”
Evelyn scoffed inwardly.
That’s exactly why this family always ends up bitter and unfair.
But Zaid seemed to take those words to heart.
His sour expression faded, and he said proudly, “Exactly! If you miss the moment, it’s gone forever. Look at me—I struck gold, didn’t I?”
“Hubby … ” Yvonne purred, her voice soft and sweet, almost making Zaid melt.
Evelyn stayed cold. “That’s not happening. We’re not getting married.”
“Not getting married?” Yvonne blinked in disbelief. “What are you saying? You’re almost 22! How can you just say no to marriage?”
Even if Evelyn did get married, it wouldn’t be with Seth.
She had seen right through Yvonne’s schemes.
Yvonne wanted Evelyn married off fast, stuck with a baby and housework, so Alice could slip into Evelyn’s place and take her job.
Once Evelyn had a kid and tried to jump back into work, she’d be out of society and no longer a threat.
Too bad for Yvonne—things weren’t going the way she hoped.
Evelyn swallowed the last bit of soup and finally said, “Seth and I aren’t getting married. We already broke up.”
“Broke up?”
Her words hit everyone like a bomb.
No one looked more stunned than Yvonne.
She had been eyeing that job to secure Evelyn’s future position. If Evelyn and Seth had broken up, she’d throw herself back into her job.
What should Alice do then?
Her grades weren’t enough for any top hospital. If she ended up stuck in some remote area where the people were rough, her life would be tough.
Zaid didn’t hide his shock either.”You broke up just like that? Evelyn, are you crazy? What will people say if they hear about it?”
All he cared about was image.
It reminded Evelyn of her previous life. When rumors spread that she had stolen something, Zaid always looked at her with anger.
He resented her for dragging the family’s name through the mud, for making it public that they’d raised a thief.
It was happening all over again.
He didn’t bother to ask why they split. All that mattered was what people would think when they heard the Schmidts’ daughter got dumped.
Evelyn wanted to laugh, but her eyes welled up.
Before Zaid could go off on her, she looked straight at Alice. “He liked someone else. That’s why I ended it.”
That calm stare alone made Alice and Yvonne freeze.
Neither of them dared say anything else.
Yvonne, clearly caught off guard, quickly changed her tone. “If that’s the case, I won’t allow it. Don’t worry, Evelyn. We’re family. We’ll back you no matter what.”
“Yes, Evelyn,” Alice added. “It’s probably just a misunderstanding. If you don’t want to say more, that’s fine. You’re outstanding. You’ll find someone even better.”
With how fast they switched sides, it was Zaid who couldn’t let it drop.
He slammed his fork down, visibly angry. “You’re grown, but you still can’t choose a decent boyfriend? What a disgrace!”
Then, he got up and stormed into his room.
Evelyn didn’t react. She simply stood and went upstairs as well.
Only Alice and Yvonne stayed at the table, exchanging uneasy looks.
“What happened? Why would she break up with Seth so suddenly?” Yvonne frowned.
Everything had been going so well until now. This sudden change wrecked all their plans.
Alice felt the same way.
Still, she stayed calm. “Mom, don’t rush her. I’ve got a plan. She’s just upset right now. Sooner or later, she’ll walk right into it.”
She laid everything out for Yvonne.
“Good job,” Yvonne said with a smile. “I’ll be waiting for the outcome.”