Chapter 17

Evelina gave Kristina a light smack on the shoulder,clearly frustrated. "I was actually kidnapped by Hayden Reid,a thug paid by Margot to kill me."

Kristina's face fell immediately, her earlier indignation vanishing. She awkwardly covered her face with her hand."Oh,so it wasn't Mr. Russell after all?"

Evelina confirmed with a shake of her head. "No, it definitely wasn't him."

Realizing her mistake, Kristina's posture slumped as she stood there, utterly embarrassed.

But really, who could fault her for assuming? Evelina was untouchable in Aglonard, her abilities unparalleled.In Kristina's eyes, only someone like Jasper Russell could manage such a move, especially given the recent events-Evelina had just made a spectacle at the Dusk Lounge and vanished shortly thereafter,while Jasper had left in a noticeable fury..

Everything had led to the belief that Jasper was responsible for Evelina's capture, sparing only Kristina and the owner of the club because he had Evelina to deal with. Kristina had painstakingly reviewed security footage and led her team on a frantic pursuit to this location.

Now,the truth was out- Evelina's identity had been revealed. Jasper, visibly shocked, inquired, "You were the last student mentored by Professor Mitchell?"

The more Jasper pondered, the clearer it became. "It all adds up now. Cary's sight was restored thanks to you,wasn't it?"

Evelina offered no denial. Given the reach of the Russell family, her true identity was bound to surface sooner rather than later.

Jasper,altering his tone, proposed a new beginning."Ms. Marsh, let's put our previous misunderstandings aside. I invite you to treat Florrie under any terms you find agreeable."

His demeanor had softened, a stark contrast to the firm authority he wielded just moments before,underscoring his genuine concern for his niece.

Florrie,barely containing her excitement, chimed in,"Really? Then just stake your claim on my uncle already! He won't resist."

Kristina pinched herself in disbelief. Indeed, there seemed to be an unspoken connection between Evelina and Jasper. Relieved to be recognized by her maiden name,Evelina pondered her next steps.

Yet,she wasn't ready to commit to treating Florrie and sought a plausible delay. "I apologize, Mr. Russell,but I suffered a blow to my back earlier. I need Kristina to assist me in dressing the wound."

Collecting some ointments from her kit, Evelina motioned for Kristina to follow her towards the car.

As they walked away, Kristina mulled over the situation,still trying to piece everything together. "I reviewed the security footage. Only two thugs attacked you.With your capabilities, even inebriated, you should have handled them easily."

"I needed to find out who was behind this," Evelina said tersely.

Kristina's expression showed concern. "You're not one to linger in dangerous situations. Did you learn what you needed quickly?"

"| discovered there were two other girls captured. It seemed right to help them escape since I was already involved," Evelina explained.

As they got into Kristina's car, Evelina removed her jacket and top, exposing a large, dark bruise across her back. Kristina inhaled sharply at the sight. "That looks painful!"

"It's minor. Just fix it up for me," Evelina said,suppressing a grimace

Kristina's hands were less than delicate, causing Evelina to flinch from the discomfort.

Outside,Florrie had overheard their conversation.Her voice shaky, she spoke up. "Uncle, she's injured.She got hurt rescuing me and Eloise. She could have fled,but she chose to rescue us:"

Her plea continued. "Please, don't treat her harshly.Don't force her to treat me. She's kind, and I believe she has good reasons for her decisions. Let's not put more on her shoulders."

Jasper gazed at her and then gave a slow nod."Understood."

Yet, deep inside, he was resolute. He would not relinquish their only opportunity.

He was determined to persuade Evelina to heal Florrie's vision, whatever the cost.