Chapter 192: The Shredded Doll
The tedious medical checks lasted three agonizing hours. By the time Evelyn and Elias were settled into a guest room, it was already afternoon. Before she could catch her breath, a housekeeper informed her coldly that she was expected at the family’s "welcome banquet" that evening.
It wasn't a welcome; it was a trap designed to humiliate her.
The ballroom was a sea of gold and crystal. Everyone present was either a Lawrence or a high-ranking figure in American politics and business. Evelyn wore a simple, deep blue evening gown Ryan had provided. It covered the bandages on her arms, but it couldn't hide her exhaustion.
As she entered, the room fell silent for a few seconds. Dozens of mocking, curious eyes fixed on her.
"Look, is that the woman from the orphanage?" "I heard she’s a divorcee with a kid. How did she get through the front door?"
The whispers buzzed like flies. Ryan held her hand tight, his warmth steadying her. Suddenly, the crowd parted. A woman in a champagne-colored couture gown approached.
She was stunning. Golden waves, sapphire eyes, and skin that seemed to glow. The diamond necklace around her neck was worth more than a Manhattan penthouse. Every movement screamed inherited superiority.
This was Camilla Covington—the daughter of an energy tycoon and the Council’s hand-picked choice for Ryan’s wife.
"Ryan, you’re finally back." Camilla ignored Evelyn entirely, walking straight to Ryan to adjust his tie with practiced intimacy. "Uncle Victor has been asking for you. It must have been a long trip."
Ryan subtly pulled away, placing an arm around Evelyn’s waist to bring her forward. "Camilla, this is Evelyn. My... partner."
"Partner?" Camilla laughed softly, her gaze finally drifting to Evelyn. It wasn't a look of hostility, but of pity—the way a queen looks at an ant. "Hello, Ms. Bell. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s truly impressive. Climbing out of the mud to stand in a room like this... you must have worked very hard."
"I’m equally impressed by you, Ms. Covington," Evelyn replied with a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Those born with silver spoons can probably never understand what it feels like to walk on their own two feet."
Camilla’s smile stiffened for a split second. She leaned in, whispering so only Evelyn could hear, "Don't be naive. This is Washington, not your slums. Without blood and a background, you aren't even worthy of the air here."
She straightened up and looked back at Ryan. "By the way, Ryan, remember the stables when we were ten? You said you’d marry the girl who was the best rider. I still have that horse."
Laughter erupted from the onlookers. Before Ryan could argue, Bernie hurried over. "Sir, the Master is awake. He wants to see you and Ms. Covington in the study. Only the two of you."
"Evelyn..." Ryan hesitated, frowning.
"Go," Evelyn said, forcing a calm expression. "Business first. I’m tired anyway and want to check on Elias."
Ryan looked at her deeply. "Wait for me."
As they walked away side by side, Evelyn felt like she had been stripped bare and left in the snow. In this world of power, she was an outsider.
Late that night, Evelyn returned to her room. As she pushed the door open, her heart dropped. On the rug in the center of the room lay Elias’s favorite dinosaur plushie.
It had been shredded.
Green stuffing was scattered everywhere. The head had been cleanly cut off, and the red plastic eyes rolled near the bed.
"Elias!" Evelyn rushed to the bed. To her relief, the boy was sound asleep, though he was frowning and clutching at the air.
Evelyn shivered as she picked up the ruined doll. This was a direct threat. Someone had entered her room in this high-security estate to do this. What if it had been a knife? What if it had been Elias?
Fear turned into fury. She grabbed the doll and headed for the study to find Ryan. Passing the half-open door of the study, she froze. Through the gap, she saw Ryan standing by the window. Camilla was behind him, her arms wrapped around his waist and her face pressed against his back.
"Ryan, don't be foolish," Camilla whispered. "Her status will only ruin your future. Only my family can help you secure your position. If you really care about her, you should let her go."
Ryan didn't immediately push her away. Evelyn felt a wave of nausea. She didn't storm in. She had learned long ago to endure. She turned and walked back to her room.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number—a photo of the shredded doll.
This is what happens to people who don't belong. Leave Ryan and take your brat back to New York. Otherwise, next time it won't just be the doll's neck.
Evelyn turned off her phone and threw the doll in the trash. You want my life? Just try me.