Chapter 500

Evelyn sighed as she looked at her phone screen. "Got it. I'll definitely be home for dinner tonight. Is Grandpa coming back?"

Victoria's voice came through the receiver. "The old master arrives tonight. Nathan will pick him up from the airport. He said to have Ethan delivered by eight—he'll take care of him personally tomorrow."

Evelyn relaxed. "Good. Talk later."

She pocketed her phone and was about to resume her morning jog when she caught sight of Sophia Lefèvre pushing Christian's wheelchair in the distance.

The mother-son duo were early risers too.

Life hadn't been easy for them since Mr. Lefèvre's divorce.

Evelyn wondered how much of the earlier commotion they'd overheard.

"Evelyn." Sophia greeted her warmly from afar.

Christian smiled gently. "Long time no see."

He rarely saw Evelyn exercising. Bathed in sunlight, her posture was straight, her curves striking enough to hold his gaze.

Evelyn nodded. "Good morning, Mrs. Lefèvre."

"Evelyn, I never got the chance to thank you for saving Christian." Sophia's eyes held sincerity. "Are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

Now that Isabella had married Warren, she could finally breathe easy.

That venomous woman would never hurt her son again.

Evelyn thought of Gabrielle's constant chatter and shook her head. "Not tonight. How about tomorrow?"

Sophia nodded eagerly. "Of course. Evelyn, could I have your number? We've had trouble reaching you."

Evelyn's tone remained neutral. "No need for formalities. It was nothing."

Sophia glanced at her son. Her life had only regained color since his return.

"To you it was nothing. To us, it was salvation."

Evelyn didn't want the credit.

She approached Christian. "How's your leg? Can you stand yet?"

Christian's smile brightened. "I can stand. With support, I can even take a few steps."

Truthfully, his legs were fine—just weakened from prolonged bed rest.

With medication and rehab, his recovery progressed well.

Most importantly, his improved mindset had lessened the pain.

"By the way, Evelyn," he suddenly remembered, "could I have Gabrielle's number? She took care of me for three years. I'd like to thank her properly."

Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "I'll have to ask her first. She rarely goes out—it's up to her."

Christian didn't want to miss this chance. He knew Gabrielle was a good person.

"Could you ask her now? Who knows when I'll see you again?"

His pleading eyes wore her down. Reluctantly, Evelyn dialed Gabrielle.

"Sis?" Gabrielle's voice remained bright.

Evelyn cut to the chase. "Ran into Christian. He wants your number."

Gabrielle refused instantly. "We're not close. His legs are fine, right? Three years of care is enough—I don't want further contact."

Evelyn gave Christian an apologetic look.

He'd expected this. Leaning toward the phone, he quickly said, "My legs still hurt. I need your acupuncture. When are you available?"