Chapter 3

Daniel left with Noah, clearly determined to teach Evelyn a lesson. In the past, whenever Daniel and Noah froze her out, Evelyn would be terrified.

The moment they went cold, she would panic and apologize over and over again until they finally forgave her. Only then could she breathe again.

This time, she did nothing.

For days, she quietly packed up the things in the house.

The team handling the private island needed her documents, so Evelyn picked a time and handed everything in. She had just finished the paperwork when her phone rang.

"Ms. Wynn, your wedding gown is here," the consultant from the bridal boutique said. "When would you like to come in for your fitting?"

Only then did Evelyn remember that Daniel was planning a wedding for their anniversary.

When they got married, Daniel was still in a wheelchair. There was no ceremony or wedding photos, just a marriage certificate and a rushed signature at the courthouse. He promised that on December 26th this year, he would make it up to her with a proper wedding. He even ordered her wedding gown six months in advance.

But now, Evelyn wasn't going to go through it anymore.

"There's no need anymore. Please cancel the order," Evelyn said.

"What?" The consultant sounded stunned. "But Mr. Hayes is already here at the store."

Evelyn went straight to the bridal boutique. Daniel and Noah were sitting in the lounge area. When Noah saw Evelyn, his small face twisted up.

It had been three full days. Evelyn hadn't called or texted once. That had never happened before. Noah was angry and hurt in a way he didn't know how to name. Had his mother really decided she didn't want him anymore?

When the consultant called to say the wedding gown had arrived, Noah had insisted on coming along. Now that Evelyn looked perfectly fine, his anger only burned hotter.

"Grandma was right," he thought. "Mom really is heartless! She's nothing like Aunt Zoe, who's always so gentle!"

Daniel's expression didn't look good either, but he held his temper in check. "Have you made enough of a scene? You were the one who was wrong the other day, yet you're the one sulking. Now, you don't even want to try on your gown."

Evelyn almost laughed.

They were the ones giving her the silent treatment, icing her out like she didn't exist. Somehow, it had turned into her throwing a tantrum.

"I'm not sulking," she said calmly. "There's just no point trying it on."

The 26th was the day she was leaving. There would be no wedding.

Daniel's expression darkened.

"Bad mom!" Noah stomped his foot, his voice rising. "You're so petty! You don't deserve to be my mom at all!"

Noah was spoiled and used to getting away with talk like that. He knew how to jab where it hurt, and every other time in the past, his words had left Evelyn so upset that she could barely hold back tears.

But this time, she only answered in a level tone, "You're right. I don't. Let Zoe be your mother instead."

Noah froze.

Daniel's expression went instantly cold. "Enough, Evelyn. There's nothing going on between Zoe and me. Don't twist it into something dirty! I just feel bad for her! She's barely in her 20s, and she has cancer! The doctor said she might not even have two months left. She's your sister! How can you be so cruel, so vicious?"

Evelyn let him say whatever he wanted. Her heart barely even twinged anymore. If anything, a distant, bitter curiosity flickered up. If the day ever came when Daniel found out Zoe did not have cancer at all, what kind of face would he make?

"Anything else? If not, I'm leaving," she said. With that, Evelyn turned to go.

Panic flashed across Daniel's face. "Evelyn!"

"Mom!" Noah shouted too.

Before Evelyn could react, Daniel's phone rang. He answered it, and the blood drained from his face even as his voice softened to a tone Evelyn barely recognized. "Zoe, don't be scared! I'm on my way!"

Before Evelyn could process that, Daniel grabbed her wrist.

"You're coming too!" he said.

He didn't give her a chance to pull away and shoved her straight into the car. Daniel slammed down on the gas, sending the car shooting forward. For the first time, Evelyn saw Daniel in such a panic.

When they reached the club and pushed open the door to a private room, Zoe was already crying as she threw herself at him.

"Daniel, help me! They're trying to force me to drink!" she sobbed.

Daniel immediately pulled her into his arms and shielded her with his body.

Noah stepped in front of her too, his little face drawn tight and serious. "Don't you dare bully Aunt Zoe!"

The room was full of men in suits. A contract lay open on the table. It seemed like they were in the middle of a business deal.

Seeing Daniel and Noah like that, one of the men casually dug a finger into his ear, looking completely unimpressed. "Ms. Wynn, that's not fair. Who's forcing anything? All we ask is that you finish this drink. Once you do, the deal is done."

Daniel's expression darkened. "Zoe has stomach cancer. She can't drink. I'll drink it for her!"

The man chuckled. "Are you from Wynn Group? If you drink it, what does that count for? I want someone from the Wynn family to drink!"

The next second, Daniel and Noah both turned to look at Evelyn.

Evelyn's face went white. Now, she understood why Daniel had dragged her here. She was here to clean up Zoe's mess.

"No!" Evelyn said, her hands curling into fists. "I'm not drinking!"

Zoe broke down again, tears streaming down her face. She begged, "Evelyn, please. Wynn Group is the Wynn family's company! It's practically yours too! Are you really going to just stand there and watch the family go under?"

Daniel snapped, "Evelyn, do you have to be this heartless? Do you have any idea how many nights Zoe stayed up working on this project? It's just one drink!"

Noah chimed in, "Mom, hurry up and drink it! If you do, I won't be mad at you anymore for pushing Aunt Zoe down the stairs!"

Evelyn's hand tightened around the edge of the wall. A cold numbness spread through her whole body. Every word from them pushed her closer to the edge.

She had late-stage stomach cancer, and they wanted her to knock back hard liquor. That wasn't just a drink. That was a death sentence.

And Wynn Group? What did that have to do with her? She might be the eldest daughter, but she didn't own even 1% of the company. Her eyes burned red. "Don't even think about it!"

Daniel's jaw clenched, and his face went rigid. Zoe's sobs filled the room as Daniel made up his mind. He grabbed the glass and lifted it. Then, without warning, his other hand shot out and clamped hard around Evelyn's lower jaw.