Chapter 16: Chapter 16
879 words<html><head></head><body><p>"Florrie, please, no more words," Evelina pleaded silently, her heart racing.</p> <p>Just in time, lan appeared with the doctor, who immediately began checking on Florrie.</p> <p>Just as Evelina hoped they could move past the awkward moment, Jasper's cool, incisive voice cut through the air. "Indeed, we have met before. Evelina gifted me with ten roses."</p> <p>"Really?!" Florrie's eyes sparkled with excitement."Evelina, that's incredible! You're the first woman to ever give flowers to my uncle and not end up regrettingit!"</p> <p>Florrie nudged Evelina playfully.ome on, be honest,do you like him?"</p> <p>Caught off guard, Evelina hesitated, then spoke the truth. "I'm married."</p> <p>"Oh no!" Florrie's face fell. "You're married and you flirted with my uncle? That's not cool."</p> <p>Evelina quickly explained, "I've already signed the divorce papers, and the roses were just-"</p> <p>Florrie, however, wasn't interested in excuses. At the mention of divorce, her demeanor changed instantly,and she clasped Evelina's arm, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.</p> <p>"So, you're free then! My uncle is considered Ireah's most eligible bachelor-many women chase after him,but he likes none of them. Neither do l."</p> <p>Leaning closer, Florrie whispered, "But I do like you."</p> <p>Florrie might have been sheltered, but she was perceptive.</p> <p>Evelina didn't know her or Eloise, not even a hint of their pasts, yet she still put her life on the line for them.Women like her were rare-one in a million.</p> <p>Florrie had noticed that Jasper appeared genuinely interested in Evelina, which was unusual.</p> <p>Could she, as his niece, not play a small part in nudging this along?</p> <p>"You're quite the clever one," Evelina said, giving Florrie's head a gentle pat, looking for a graceful exit from their intense chat.</p> <p>Outside, the Russell family's bodyguards were efficiently securing the captured thugs, while another squad re-entered the derelict factory to ensure no one escaped.</p> <p>Evelina marveled at their meticulous work and then turned to Jasper. "What's going to happen to these men?"</p> <p>Jasper's response was terse. "We'll handle it privately,"he replied, a decision driven by the desire to shield Florrie's public image.</p> <p>In their world, a family's reputation could be its downfall. Just one scandal could attract a frenzy of media predators, ready to tear apart even a well-guarded heiress like Florrie.</p> <p>Jasper had kept in mind the tragic tale of the Marsh family in lreah, who were among the city's elite yet not immune to tragedy.</p> <p>Their lost daughter had been subjected to cruel rumors: sold off, seen in dubious establishments, and worse. The girl's mother, Vivienne Marsh, had wept until she was blind, and the father, Franklin Marsh's once-stellar career had teetered on the brink of ruin.</p> <p>Evelina agreed with Jasper's plan but set her terms."I accept,but l insist on dealing personally with Hayden Reid and the two thugs who initially attacked me."</p> <p>For three long years, Evelina had tole rated Margot,fulfilling all duties expected of a sister-in-law. Yet, Margot had wished death upon her.</p> <p>It was time for Evelina to seek justice.</p> <p>"I don't think so," Jasper replied, his gaze cold as he looked down at her, a faint smirk playing at his lips."There are still matters you and I need to resolve."</p> <p>A shiver ran up Evelina's spine.</p> <p>Was he still holding a grudge over the incident with the roses?</p> <p>Evelina bowed slightly. "My apologies. I was intoxicated. I mistook you for-"</p> <p>"Does being drunk excuse flirting indiscriminately?"Jasper interrupted sharply.</p> <p>"No, it doesn't," she responded, attempting to clarify."It was a misunderstanding-you're quite attractive,and-"</p> <p>So that was the mix-up.</p> <p>"Really?" Jasper's tone was cutting. "Do you often approach attractive strangers?"</p> <p>Evelina massaged her temples, feeling the conversation spiral further out of control. Each response seemed to dig her deeper. Suddenly, the gleam of a blade caught her eye. A knife was being drawn,aimed directly at Florrie.</p> <p>"Florrie, get down!" Without a second thought,Evelina threw herself in front of the girl, ready to take the blow herself.</p> <p>However, the expected strike never came.</p> <p>As Evelina turned, she noticed Jasper intercepting the attack,his arm now bleeding.</p> <p>Blood streamed down his arm.</p> <p>It had been Hayden, still intent on harm-he had hurled a knife towards Florrie. Quickly subdued by Jasper's security, Hayden was incapacitated and restrained.</p> <p>Florrie, sensing the smell of blood, panicked. "Who's bleeding? Evelina, are you okay?!"</p> <p>"It's not me. It's your uncle." Evelina reassured her as she hurried to Jasper's side to assess his injury. just a shallow cut. It doesn't look deep. No need for stitches, and the blade wasn't poisoned. You're going to be okay."</p> <p>She swiftly took a first aid kit from the medical team,cleaned the wound with antiseptic, and bandaged it expertly.</p> <p>"You're a doctor?" Jasper inquired, impressed by her skill. The bleeding had stopped quickly under her careful handling.</p> <p>"No, I'm not," Evelina responded, choosing not to disclose more about her skills.</p> <p>At that moment, Kristina's voice broke through the tension. "Mr. Russell, hold on! Don't harm her!"</p> <p>Misreading the scene, Kristina dashed from her vehicle and positioned herself protectively in front of Evelina.</p> <p>"Look, I know you're upset, thinking she should be accountable for earlier, but listen to me! You must not harm her. She's the Sight Weaver-the only one who can restore Miss Russell's vision!" Kristina said,her hand raised as if taking an oath.</p> <p>"| assure you, I'm speaking the truth!" she added fervently.</p> </body></html>