350 The Downfall of a Once–Independent Woman


    Oscar leaned back against the sofa, crossing one leg over the other.


    He enjoys the espresso Jimmy has just served him. He feels rxed now.


    However, soon after, Oscar’s expression changed from yful to mildly intense, though a hint of worry still lingered on his face.


    “So,” he said, drawing out the word like he was about to interrogate a criminal on a crime show. “Tell me. How did you end up in that car ident?”


    His eyes narrowed slightly. “I know you. You’re a skilled driver. It seems impossible for you to just… drive off a cliff.”


    Evelyn lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug.


    She had already tried countless times to piece together the memory of that day. The shing headlights. The sudden impact. The terrifying spin. But the more she tried to remember, the more her head pulsed with dull difort.


    It was also impossible to escape the question.


    Every visitor, every family member, every concerned friend eventually asked the same thing.


    What happened?


    How did it happen?


    Do you remember anything?


    At this point, she was tempted to write the exnation in a notebook and hand it out to everyone in sight like a tour guide pamphlet.


    She chuckled quietly at the thought.


    “Eve?”


    Oscar waved a hand in front of her face.


    “Hello? Earth to Evelyn. Is your brain okay? Why do you look so dazed?”


    She blinked and refocused on him.


    “I’m fine,” she said, smiling. “The MRI results said nothing happened to my brain. No


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    350 The Downfall of a Once–Independent Woman


    need to worry, bro.”


    There was a split second of silence before Oscar burst outughing.


    “Damn you, Eve! You can still joke!?” he said, shaking his head, relief obvious in his


    tone.


    Evelyn grinned.


    “I need humor. I’ve felt so terrible thesest few days. I live with limitations now.” She lifted her braced leg slightly, then her supported arm. “Not to mention, everyone at home thinks I’m azy princess. They don’t let me do anything. Gosh, I’m bored out of my mind.”


    Oscar smirked. “Let me guess. Axel doesn’t let you lift a spoon?”


    Evelyn can’t help butugh.


    “Well, he practically supervises me breathing,” she replied. “If I blink too fast, he looks ready to call a doctor.”


    Oscar burst intoughter, his voice echoing through the room. The sound was loud, enough to draw the nurse and the doctor’s attention. They hurried over to check on him, but Evelyn waved her hand to reassure them.


    “Sorry…” Oscar said, feeling guilty. Then he returned his gaze to Evelyn. “My


    brother–inw is terrifyingly in love with you.”


    “Hmm, he is. And Oliver,” Evelyn continued, eyes brightening, “keeps telling everyone, ‘Mommy is fragile, handle with care.” She mimicked her son’s tiny, serious voice. “He even tried to put a nket over me while I was sitting by the firece.”


    Oscar ced a hand over his heart. “My nephew is a gentleman.”


    “And don’t even get me started on my mother–inw,” Evelyn said. “Yesterday, I tried to pour my own tea. Three people rushed toward me as they were afraid I would faint if I led the teapot.”


    Oscar wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. “Tragic. The downfall of a once–independent woman. Congrats, sis… You finally became a real weak woman.”


    Evelyn sighed, smiling as she responded to his sarcasm, “Exactly. I used to run board–of–directors meetings. Kicking bad people’s ass and now I need permission to stand up.”


    350 The Downfall of a Once–Independent Woman


    “Tell me,” Evelyn asked, leaning back against the sofa, “how long will you stay in this


    country?”


    Oscar lifted his chin, as if he were thinking hard, before saying, “I told you I bought a house near this area, right?”


    “Hm. I remember. You bragged about the wine cer for an entire hour.”


    “And I will do it again if necessary,” he said with mock offense. Then he smiled. “I’ll be settled in this city for a while, until my other boss needs me. I’ve already had my people prepare myputer room. Just like the one at Fort.”


    Evelyn’s expression softened.


    “Oscar, I’m happy to hear that. Now I’ll have a friend to joke with during my recovery. Otherwise, I’d go insane listening to Axel threaten medical staff every time my


    heartbeat changes.”


    Oscarughed, but the sound slowly faded. Something crossed his mind, and his eyes shifted, no longer yful but sharp. Cold. Focused.


    The change was subtle, but Evelyn noticed. She frowned slightly.


    “Oscar?” she asked. “Why are you looking at me like you’re about to hack a government


    database?”


    Oscar exhaled quietly.


    “Eve,” he said, eyes locking onto hers, “we got a new interesting job.”


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    <strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.