Chapter 31

Evelina wasted no time in calling the Gibson family's butler to verify if Demi was truly unwell. Skipping lunch entirely, she prepared to head straight for the Gibson estate.

Florrie made several attempts to stop her,but none succeeded.

Just as Evelina reached the door,a voice rang out from behind. "Evelina, where are you going?"

Jasper's tone was composed, yet there was an unmistakable authority in it.

She paused momentarily. "Demi isn't feeling well-"

"And neither are you!" His words carried a mix of disapproval and concern. "Your back injury hasn't fully healed,you just recovered from an illness, and you've spent the whole morning taking care of me. Do you think you're unstoppable?"

His brow creased slightly as he spoke in a firm voice."Sit down. Eat first. lan will take you there later."

Florrie grasped Evelina's hand. "You better listen to Uncle Jasper. He's terrifying when he's upset."

Left with no alternative, Evelina returned to the table,where Jasper personally served her a bowl of soup.

The aroma was inviting, but she had no appetite.

"If Demi's condition were severe, her family would have taken her to a hospital by now. Since she's still at the estate, it's unlikely to be urgent. A short delay won't change much."

Jasper's voice was steady as he placed more food onto her plate.

"Eat something first. If Demi sees you pale and exhausted, it'll only add to her stress, which could make her feel worse."

Evelina had to admit his reasoning made sense.

But as she stared at the overwhelming portion before her,she looked exasperated. "Jasper, this is way too much."

"If it's too much, share with me." Florrie pushed her bowl closer, pouting. "Uncle Jasper only looks after you now. He doesn't even serve me food anymore."

Evelina felt embarrassed right away.

Jasper scooped a spoonful of soup for his niece and smirked. "Even with your mouth full, you still find a way to chatter,huh?" 7

Once lunch was over, Jasper stayed true to his word and had lan drive Evelina to the Gibson estate himself.

She grew restless during the ride, and as soon as the car stopped, she hurried out.

However, to her astonishment, the household staff blocked her path. "Mrs. Gibson has made it clear-you are not welcome here. Leave now, or we'll have to throw you out."

Evelina insisted they contact Asher, the butler. "He'll let me in. I promise this won't cause trouble for you."

But the servants merely sneered. "Asher is busy tending to Mrs. Demi Gibson. No one has time for the likes of you, you wretched woman."

Wretched woman? Evelina had no doubt Elora was behind this.

Her patience wearing thin, she narrowed her eyes and sneered, "What did you just say? Care to repeat that?"

"Well said!" A sharp, grating voice interrupted. Elora approached with a triumphant sneer. "You had my daughter locked up, and now you dare show your face here?"

With her arrival, the servants, who had been intimidated by Evelina's glare, instantly regained their confidence.

Evelina refused to lower herself to Elora's level. She kept her composure. "I only came to check on Demi 1

Elora practically spat the words at her. "Who do you think you are? You have no right to see her!"

Hands on her hips, she gave a commanding order."Bring a broom and chase her out! Let's see if she ever dares step foot here again!"

At her signal, one of the servants lifted a broom and swung it at Evelina.

"Annoying," Evelina muttered, bracing herself to fight back. But before the broom could land, a swift kick sent the servant sprawling.

"Who did that? Who dares lay a hand on one of our household workers-" Elora's outrage flared, but when her eyes landed on lan, her anger evaporated in an instant.

She quickly shifted to a sickly sweet smile. "Mr.Russell? What brings you here?"

Jasper had no interest in dealing with the likes of the Gibson family, so lan was sent in his place.

"I heard Demi was ill and came to visit. But it seems my presence isn't welcome," lan remarked coolly."Ms.Marsh,let's go."

His words left Elora dumbfounded.

Shaking her head, she hurried to explain, "N-no! Of course, you're always welcome here! We just don't want that troublemaker anywhere near us-"

"Mrs. Gibson!" lan's voice was sharp, cutting through her excuse. "Ms. Marsh is a valued guest of the Russell family. Insulting her is the same as insulting us."

His cold gaze swept over Elora and the servants who had humiliated Evelina as he firmly demanded,"Apologize!"