Desperation flooded Olivia's eyes as she turned to Evelyn.

Her silent plea for mercy was a stark contrast to her earlier arrogance.

She begged without words, her gaze screaming promises of never repeating her offense.

Only now did the crushing weight of her regret truly settle upon Olivia.

She understood, too late, that framing Evelyn had been a catastrophic error.

Simple apologies were worthless now.

Evelyn observed Olivia with an impassive expression, her voice firm and cold. "Take her to Theodore's assistant."

Having been Olivia's target repeatedly, Evelyn felt no sympathy.

The morning's incident had been trivial, something Evelyn could easily dismiss.

But the afternoon's events were grave. Olivia had nearly caused a man's death.

While Evelyn held no affection for Theodore, she never wished him actual harm.

"Understood, Mrs. Blackwood," the assistant replied, his grip tightening on Olivia's arm as he dragged her away.

With Olivia's guilt confirmed, a wave of relief should have washed over Evelyn. Instead, a heavy weight remained in her chest.

Despite her innocence, the fact that she had unknowingly applied a poisonous substance to Theodore's wound was a bitter pill to swallow.

"How is Theodore now?" Evelyn asked, her voice laced with guilt. "His injury was severe enough... the poison must have made it so much worse..."

Alexander noticed the worry in Evelyn's gaze.

A sharp sting of jealousy pierced him for a second.

He dismissed it just as quickly.

He understood Evelyn's passionate heart.

After recent events, her concern was natural, no matter who was involved.

She had a deep capacity for caring about people.

Thinking this, Alexander gently placed a hand on her head.

His touch was meant to comfort.

"Don't worry," he said, his voice soft. "I'll have someone monitor Theodore closely. We'll know of any changes immediately. I'll also have the poison analyzed right away. We will find an antidote and help him recover."

Evelyn gave a small nod.

Worry still shadowed her features. "Alright."

There was little else to do now.

But Alexander was resolved to do everything possible.

The next morning, Alexander brought Evelyn news.

"My investigation team just reported. Theodore survived the night. He is no longer in critical condition." He paused. "But the toxins require time to leave his system. Full recovery will take time."

Evelyn let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "That's a relief," she whispered.

She had already hurt Theodore once by mistake.

She couldn't bear to cause him harm again.

After a moment, Evelyn gathered her courage.

"Which hospital is he in now?" she asked.

She decided honesty with Alexander was best.

"I need to see him myself," she said quietly, her voice firm.

Alexander studied her face.

He sighed softly. After a pause, he chose to be direct.

"He was moved to his family's private hospital," he told her.

He then added, "If you wish to visit, I will accompany you."

Evelyn glanced at the bandages on Alexander's arm.

She shook her head. "You should rest. I'll go alone. I feel responsible for what happened. I owe him an apology. If I had been more careful, I might have suspected the medicine was poisoned."

Alexander gently cupped her face.

His touch was tender. His voice was soothing. "Evelyn, this is not your fault. Don't blame yourself."

Evelyn offered him a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be fine."

That afternoon, Alexander was in his hospital room.

He was dealing with work matters with his team.

Evelyn went to the Vance family's private hospital.

Before she left, Alexander had given her Theodore's room number.

As she approached the room, Daniel stepped into her path.

His manner was far colder than before. "Why are you here?" he demanded.

Evelyn looked toward the closed door.

"I heard Theodore is awake," she said softly. "I wanted to see how he is."

"I'm afraid Mr. Vance has no desire to see you," Daniel replied icily.

His tone was harsh. He sneered, his words dripping with sarcasm.

"I don't understand, Ms. Blackwood. You used to avoid Mr. Vance at all costs. Even when you tended to him, your reluctance was clear. Now that he's out of your way, you should be happy. So what is this? Are you here to gloat?"

Evelyn was stunned. The accusation scattered her thoughts.

She quickly steadied herself. She met his gaze firmly. "I genuinely care about Theodore. It's not what you think."

Daniel let out a bitter laugh. "Mr. Vance doesn't need your so-called care. Just leave. Go back to your perfect life with your husband."