Chapter 64

Florrie concluded her explanation, and Dorothea immediately backed it up, highlighting the importance of Jasper's timely intervention. "Without Mr. Russell's quick response, the prolonged exposure to the lime might have led to irreversible damage to Evelina's vision."

Caleb appeared completely drained, leaning heavily against the wall in defeat.

He began to cry, overwhelmed by guilt, and slapped himself in despair. "This is all my fault...

Seeing his distress, Florrie and lan quickly came to help, each taking one of his hands. Florrie reassured him gently. "This isn't your fault. These things were beyond our control."

Concerned he might do more harm to himself, she added, "Evelina would be heartbroken to see you like this."

lan agreed and shifted their focus. "Let's concentrate on uncovering who's really behind this and ensure they are held accountable."

Caleb bitterly mentioned Aurora, blaming her for the circumstances that led to Evelina being alone. "If it weren't for her, Evelina wouldn't have been out there alone."

lan linked the incidents back to Aurora, saying, "The disputes over the orphanage land and the issues with Margot also lead back to her."

With all signs pointing to Aurora, it was hard to see it as mere coincidence. She was now the main suspect.

"Evelina's coming out," Dorothea said, giving a quiet reminder as everyone quickly gathered, their faces filled with concern.

Evelina was slowly wheeled out on a stretcher,visibly groggy from the anesthesia, her quiet presence drawing everyone's attention.

Jasper watched over Evelina with a furrowed brow,noticing her eyes remained shut. Florrie, with concern washing over her face, gently called out to her.

They moved Evelina carefully into a hospital room.

"Florrie, stay here with her and make sure she's not left alone," Jasper instructed, ensuring Dorothea was also attentive. "Dorothea, look after her well."

Turning to lan, he instructed, "Head to the orphanage and investigate the source of that powder switch."

He was confident that the culprit was still lurking around Petal Creek Orphanage, guarded by two of his bodyguards.

"I'll handle it, Mr. Russell." lan assured him promptly.

Jasper then addressed Caleb, who was visibly distressed by Evelina's condition. "Caleb, come with me.We need to deal with Aurora now." It was clear that all trails led to Aurora, and it was time they sought some direct answers from her.

"Let's go!" Encouraged by Jasper's initiative, Caleb brushed away his tears and followed Jasper determinedly to where Aurora was recovering.

Aurora's personal bodyguard sensed Jasper's forceful approach and tried to prevent any escalation by moving to inform Aurora. However, he was swiftly restrained by Jasper's own guards before he could alert her.

Just as Caleb made a move to enter, he halted at the sound of Aurora's voice, outraged. "What did you just say? How could you be so harmful?" she said to someone.

Jasper subtly restrained Caleb, signaling him to hold off.

Inside,they heard Aurora's assistant confess through shaky sobs, saying, "I'm sorry, Miss Marsh. It wasn't my intention to harm Evelina directly. It just upset me to see her close to Mr. Russell, and I thought a scare might shift the balance."

Aurora responded sharply, "You've gone too far!Jasper's feelings for me are non-existent, why involve Evelina? She's not the reason Jasper won't marry me. Now, be honest-did Grandma tell you to go after her?"

Her voice broke into a weak cough, illustrating her fragile state.

The assistant, overwhelmed by guilt and fear, broke down. "Please, Miss Marsh, forgive me. I realize the error of my ways, and it won't happen again-"

"Will you get another chance? You've already gone too far, isn't that obvious?"

Aurora, infuriated, halted her words to manage a cough, then replied deliberately, "You need to admit your actions to Jasper. And I... I will make an apology to Evelina on your behalf..."

"No, Miss Marsh! If Mr. Russell learns I hurt Evelina,my life will be over. After all these years by your side, please show some compassion-"

The assistant's plea was cut short as Caleb, filled with rage, stormed into the room.

"It was your doing, Aurora! Your assistant hurt Evelina. I overheard everything. What more can you say now? You despicable person!"