The news hit Evangeline like a physical blow, leaving her mind nk and her heart clenched in a tight fist. The maid wouldn''t have called her for a minor issue. This was serious. She had suspected something was wrong ever since Old Mrs. Fawkes had unexpectedly announced her will at the banquet. She had tried to contact her afterward, but had always been told she was resting. She thought she was prepared, but the call still felt like a shock.


    She forced herself to remain calm. "How is she?"


    The maid exined that Soren had brought Poppy to the Fawkes estate for a formal visit. They had waited for a long time, but the old woman never came out of her room. Everyone assumed she was showing her disapproval of Poppy. It was only when the maid went in to check on her that she found her unconscious on the floor.


    "The doctor said her organs are failing," the maid said, her voice cracking. "Even with the best care, she has six months at most." She had been by the old woman''s side for years and knew her health was fragile. Still, the reality was devastating.


    "Miss Whitmore, she''s still very weak, but when she wakes up, you''re the person she''ll want to see most. I know you and Mr. Fawkes are divorced, but for her sake, please,e to the hospital."


    There was something else the maid left unsaid, but Evangeline understood. The will stipted that all of Old Mrs. Fawkes''s shares would go to her. If she passed away suddenly, the Fawkes family would never willingly hand them over. But if she was lucid before she died, the transfer would be much smoother. The shares meant nothing to the maid, but she was loyal to her mistress and wanted to see her final wishes carried out. She couldn''t say it outright, though, for fear of making Evangeline look like she was onlying for the money.


    Evangeline understood the predicament. She nced at the clock. News of the matriarch''s illness would spread quickly. After the public announcement of the will, she knew all eyes would be on her. As much as she wanted to rush to the hospital, going now would be a mistake.


    "I have something I need to take care of," she said calmly. "I''ll be thereter tonight." After hanging up, she sat in silence for a moment, her thoughts clearing. Then, she picked up her phone and made another call, this time to herwyer.


    It waste when she finally arrived at the hospital. The Fawkes family had mostly gone home. Flora was asleep on a sofa in the waiting area, and the maid was keeping a faithful vigil by the bedside. As Evangeline entered the room, the maid started to speak, but Evangeline put a finger to her lips, signaling for her to be quiet.


    "How is she?" Evangeline asked once they were in the hallway.