Chapter 21
Before Diana finished speaking, a young girl emerged from the examination room behind her. “Mom p>
At the sound of the girl’s tender voice, Diana’s smug features softened drastically.
Eva looked toward the source of the voice and immediately recognized the girl as Paula Robinson, Diana’s daughter. With a medical report in her hand, Paula looked so pale, indicating she perhaps wasn’t feeling well.
Diana, who had been mocking Eva, abruptly turned and pulled Paula away.
Their hurried footsteps gave them away.
Eva, however, never had the inclination to pry into others’ private matters, so she didn’t pay any attention to it.
Within moments, Diana returned alone, probably having arranged care for her daughter elsewhere.
She approached Eva again, her face showing unwarranted malice that didn’t suit her well-maintained visage.
“Ms. Hansen, I think you should know what to say and what not to say p>
Eva had anticipated her return. A faint smile curled the corner of her lips as she gently tossed her hair and spoke softly, “It depends, Mrs. Robinson. If someone makes me uncomfortable, it may cause mental confusion, and my tongue isn’t easily tamed p>
It was obvious that Paula was here for an abortion at this clinic.
Upon hearing this, Diana gritted her teeth, her face distorted with fury.
“Eva, how dare you threaten me!” Diana seethed.
“Not at all. It’s just an exchange,” Eva retorted calmly.
Diana glared fiercely. “The trouble you’re in is far greater than Paula’s p>
Eva replied nonchalantly, “Are you sure? If I’m not mistaken, Paula is not of age yet, right p>
Diana clenched her fists and glared at Eva, wishing she could lash out at the fragile yet beautiful face before her.
She had thought that the significant news she had learned could devastate the Blackwood family.
She had never been fond of Margaret’s success compared to hers. Why should everything come so easily to Margaret?
Yet at the critical moment, her own daughter had intervened and ruined her plans.
The vexation was evident on Eva’s face as she saw Diana reluctant to leave. Coupled with her own accumulated fatigue, she had little desire to engage further with Diana, and she dismissed her, “If it’s too hard for you to bear, feel free to spread the word. At least Paula will be with you. You won’t be lonely p>
“You!” Diana exclaimed.
Eva closed her eyes and said in a cold voice, “I’m tired, Mrs. Robinson. Please go ahead with your business p>
She paid no attention to Diana’s reaction. Whether Diana was fury or perhaps grinding teeth, it didn’t concern her anymore.
A few seconds later, Diana left furiously.
Eva finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Those words were a deterrent, nothing more.
Even if Diana really exposed her secret, she had no intention of saying anything about Paula.
Many young girls at that age were naive about love and easily deceived with unstable ideas about the future.
Paula had already been hurt, and Eva would never inflict further hurt upon her.
Two minutes later, Emily returned.
“I got sandwiches, oat milk, and some candy. There’s not much in the vending machine, but have these for now p>
Emily unpacked the food and handed it to Eva. “Eat up p>
Eva looked at the considerate Emily with a warm smile. “Thank you p>
Emily shot back a glance sharper than her tone. “We’re best friends. Why should we thank each other? But if anyone should be grateful, it should be me. Without you, I might not have made it to college.” Eva smiled and said nothing.
Their friendship began in high school, and they were accepted to the same university.
But that summer, Emily’s father gambled away their savings and incurred debts that reached their doorstep, pushing Emily to consider dropping out of school to work and pay them off.
Upon learning this, Eva settled the debts and escorted Emily to the university herself.
While Eva mused over these memories, Emily floated into her own reminiscences.
After snapping back, Emily said earnestly, “Do you know how grateful I am to you? Without your help, who knows where I’d be right now, probably hounded to death by debt collectors. You’re not just my best friend. You’re my safer. I’ll never forget that p>
Eva should have been pleased, but Emily’s words led her thoughts to Adrian.
Perhaps he felt the same about Vivian.
Looking at Emily, Eva ventured, “Would you marry me if I were a man p>
Emily blurted out, “Of course, I would. If you were a man, I’d definitely pursue you. But you’re a woman, so we can only be friends p>
Eva lowered her gaze, a melancholic glimmer in her eyes.
Adrian must think the same.
People indeed developed a special affection for those who aided them, especially life-savers.
“What’s wrong?” Emily blinked blankly. Soon she seemed to grasp something and her face changed drastically.
“Honey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way p>
Emily was well aware of Adrian and Vivian’s past and had frequently discussed it before.
“How could one confuse life-saving gratitude with romantic feelings? Ridiculous p>
She believed it firmly yet had answered Eva thoughtlessly.
“Honey, don’t get me wrong. I said that because I think you’re a good person. You p>
“Yeah,” Eva nodded with a trace of melancholy. “He probably thinks Vivian is a good person too p>
Emily was at a loss. She didn’t mean to trigger Eva’s sorrow.