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These were not ordinary pills–Evelyn had developed them herself. They could not be bought anywhere on the market.
“Open wide.” Evelyn placed a tablet gently on Stellan’s lips.
He cooperated without hesitation, washed it down with a sip of water, and swallowed. When she saw a trace of water at the corner of his mouth, she took a tissue and dabbed it away.
She was so close that he could see her every feature clearly. Her skin was as fair as snow, her face framed by a sharp widow’s peak softened with a hint of baby fat. Not a single blemish marred her complexion.
Her eyes were dark and bright, like polished obsidian, with a quiet light shining within. Her lashes were long, fanning like the sweep of a brush.
“By the way, I’ll take you home to recuperate. It’ll be easier to do your rehab there, and I can keep a close eye on your injuries,” Evelyn told him.
“You’re the boss,” Stellan replied quietly.
The next day, Evelyn finished her classes and went straight to the hospital to bring Stellan home. Because of the stents in his body, she dared not carry him herself this time. Instead, she hired a car to drop them off at the door.
Cosmo rushed out immediately. “Evie, let me carry Stellan! I’m strong enough for it.” He rolled up his sleeves and easily lifted Stellan into his arms.
“Be careful, Cosmo. He still has stents inside,” Evelyn reminded him.
“Don’t worry!” Cosmo said cheerfully.
He set Stellan gently on the bed, and when Stellan murmured thanks, Cosmo thumped his chest proudly. “Don’t you worry, Stellan. I’m free these days, so I’ll look after you. If you feel stuffy in the house, I can carry you outside for a walk! Hahaha!” His boisterous laugh filled the
room.
Stellan looked at the Gulliver family and felt an ache of gratitude. Strangers treated him with such kindness, while his own blood family had not….
“Mr. Iverson, just focus on healing. Don’t worry about anything else. If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell me. I’ll make it for you,” Penny said warmly.
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“Thank you, Mrs. Gulliver, but please–just call me Stellan. There’s no need to be so formal. Evie saved my life. From now on, I’ll treat you all as my own family,” Stellan answered with humility.
The Gulliver Residence felt far warmer than any hospital. The affection in the house comforted him, and above all, being able to see Evelyn every day filled his heart with joy.
“Alright. Since Stellan’s back tonight, I’ll make something special for dinner,” Penny said with a smile.
Just then, Wyatt came in with the help of his therapy equipment. After weeks of training, he could barely walk on his own again.
“Penny, what exactly happened at the mansion yesterday? Mother called me today, and she sounded furious.”
When they had come home the day before, Evelyn and Penny had chosen not to mention anything, afraid of worrying him. Yet Barbara had wasted no time in calling to berate him— saying he had grown a pair, that even his own mother no longer commanded respect.
“Dad, let me explain.” Evelyn recounted everything that had happened.
Wyatt’s face darkened as he listened, anger flaring. “After all these years, my mother hasn’t changed a bit. To think she’d punish you! Penny, you’ve suffered. And you too, Evie… It’s my fault, I’ve been useless. Forgive me. Thomas and Charles‘ kids live in luxury, while you’ve had to…” His eyes reddened with shame.
“It’s fine, Dad. You never fought for power because you’re a good man. Good people are rewarded in time, don’t worry. From now on, we’ll live our own lives and ignore them.”
“Exactly. We don’t need them. For once in my life, I finally stood up in the Gulliver Mansion- and it felt good!” Penny said, still exhilarated from that day.
At that moment, Wyatt’s phone rang again. Penny glanced at the screen and frowned. “It’s the mansion again.”
She handed it over, and Wyatt answered. Barbara’s sharp voice cut through at once. “Wyatt Gulliver, I’m telling you! If you don’t bring them here to beg for forgiveness, I won’t spare you! Am I even your mother anymore? Such defiance–how dare you!”
“Enough! Mom, Evelyn did nothing wrong–you did. Since you’ve already cast us out, stop calling me!” Wyatt hung up mid–rant and immediately blocked her number.
“Dad, you did the right thing. From now on, we need to stand up for ourselves,” Evelyn encouraged.
Wyatt nodded, knowing this was long overdue.
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The following day, with the weather turning pleasant, Cosmo carried Stellan out into the courtyard for some fresh air.
“I’m troubling you too much, Cosmo,” Stellan said apologetically.
“Not at all.” Cosmo grinned sheepishly. “You’re my brother–in–law, aren’t you? How I treat you will reflect on Evie! Hehe!”
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