The conversation came to an abrupt halt.
Evelyn, her steps unsteady, walked forward and snatched her phone back, ending the call.
Matteo stared at her in shock, not understanding why she was so worked up. "What's wrong?"

Seeing his confusion, she knew he hadn't heard the rest of what Caroline had said. She let out a quiet sigh of relief, averted her gaze, and tried to sound as calm as possible. "Nothing, I just don't want you guys fighting over me anymore."
For the past few weeks, the Gallagher family had been making a fuss about him being with Evelyn, constantly trying to break them up. Matteo had argued with them several times over it.
Hearing her say that, Matteo didn't press further and instead asked about her test results.
"The doctor said it's nothing serious. I can be discharged."
For the next few days at home, Matteo barely left the house, staying by Evelyn's side.
She wasn't as lively as before, no longer smiling as much. Most of the time, she just sat in a corner, staring off into space, looking uninterested in everything.

Matteo couldn't figure out what was wrong. He tried holding her, hoping to comfort her, but she just got up and went back to the bedroom.
"I'm not feeling well. I'm going to rest for a bit."
Watching her walk away, Matteo was caught off guard.
He thought she was still upset about the apology incident, so he had his assistant prepare a surprise for her.

On her birthday, he threw a party in her honor.
Out of respect for Matteo, most people from their social circle showed up.
They were polite to Evelyn when Matteo was around.
But at the moment he stepped away, they gathered in small groups, whispering and making snide remarks.
"If it weren't for Mr. Gallagher, I wouldn't be caught dead at a maid's daughter's birthday party. It's just embarrassing."
"I don't even get what he sees in her. Look at that cheap, small-town vibe. It makes me sick."
"Mr. Gallagher is just being noble, that's all. If it were me, I'd just throw her some cash and be done with it. But marrying her? That'd be a disgrace to the Gallagher name."
Even though she was supposed to be the center of attention, Evelyn stood alone, completely ignored.
Hearing the insults and mockery from all sides, she just felt exhausted.
If it weren't for the fact that leaving too early would make Matteo suspicious, she wouldn't have come at all.
The deliberate isolation made every minute unbearable.
Then, at exactly 7:00 pm, the atmosphere in the ballroom suddenly shifted.
The entire room turned toward the entrance, their disdain instantly replaced with eager flattery.
In their world, news traveled fast. Everyone had heard about Matteo getting into a fight over Rebecca not long ago. Now, seeing him walk in, they rushed to suck up to him.
"Mr. Gallagher, so you left earlier to go pick up Ms. Pittman? After all these years, your bond is still so strong!"
"Well, of course! They grew up together. They're childhood sweethearts. Just look at Ms. Pittman. She has such elegance and grace. She and Mr. Gallagher are a perfect match."
As speculations ran wild, Evelyn turned to see Rebecca walking in, her arm hooked through Matteo's.
She was dressed in a stunning designer gown and a dazzling diamond necklace, emphasizing her elegant posture. Her delicate, refined features exuded an air of privilege and luxury.
Even standing next to Matteo, with his naturally imposing presence, she didn't seem overshadowed in the slightest.
For no reason at all, an image flashed in Evelyn's mind. It was the faceless sketch Matteo had once drawn after regaining his sight.
Back then, he had brushed it off as just a random doodle. She had thought it was beautiful but didn't think much of it.
But now, looking at Rebecca, she finally understood who had been in that drawing.
This wasn't a case of lost love finding its way back. It was love that had never faded.
Evelyn lowered her gaze and turned away in silence.
However, before she could leave, Rebecca called out to her.
"Ms. Walsh, I heard it's your birthday today. I hope you don't mind me showing up uninvited?"
At her cue, someone led in a small, snow-white puppy. "Its name is Elmo. Isn't it adorable?"
As the fluffy puppy bounced toward her, Evelyn instinctively stepped back, bumping into a table.
Her face went pale, and a wave of fear and panic surged in her eyes.
"Take it away," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't like dogs."