Chapter 208

Evelyn Laurent wiped her lips contentedly.

The barbecue meal had lifted her spirits, making everything around her seem brighter.

Ethan Sullivan subtly observed her expression, relieved to see their earlier encounter hadn't dampened her mood. His tense shoulders finally relaxed.

At the restaurant entrance, Margaret Hill and Sophia Lowell stood frozen like frightened quails, shrinking back several steps.

Only when Evelyn and Ethan disappeared around the corner did Sophia dare to lift her head.

Her nails dug deep into her palms as she glared at the direction Evelyn had gone.

Why?

Why did Evelyn deserve such preferential treatment from Ethan?

That necklace should have been hers. Yet Ethan hadn't even glanced her way, showering Evelyn with endless care instead.

Sophia's chest heaved violently.

She needed to get close to Nigel Winthrop—fast.

This was her last chance to turn the tables.

"Sophia..." Margaret's voice trembled. "Was that really the Sullivan family's—"

"Yes." Sophia cut her off, dragging her mother away.

Once outside, Margaret immediately erupted. "That little bitch! First the Lowells, now the Sullivans? Shameless!"

"Ethan will tire of her eventually," Sophia said coldly, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.

From the hospital corridor, Brandon Lowell's furious roar echoed: "Where the hell have you been? Trying to starve me to death?"

Margaret scurried over. "Don't worry, son. I brought you food."

Brandon snatched the takeout container, his face thunderous.

Since the accident, his temper had grown increasingly volatile—smashing objects and cursing at the slightest provocation.

Standing at the ward door, Sophia surveyed the fractured remnants of her family, a cold smirk twisting her lips.

She wouldn't repeat past mistakes.

This time, she would crush Evelyn beneath her heel.