Chapter 517 Go with the Flow? Easing Relations?
Gilbert turned his back to Evelyn, adjusting his glasses with a dark expression.
Edward stood beside Evelyn, his thin lips pressed together.
He wanted to intervene, but his mouth was never as quick as hers.
Moreover, if he intervened now, wouldn't he be doing what Gilbert loved to do the most, becoming the kind of despicable person Eric despised?
"Evelyn, how are you feeling? Is your back still hurting?"
Charlie ignored Evelyn's sarcasm, more concerned about her physical pain. "You're so stubborn. You should have gone to the hospital immediately after the fall! SilverSteed has Landon and Ronnie to take care of it; there's no need for you to do everything yourself."
"You're just like Victoria, so headstrong that no one can control you! Landon, contact Paul immediately, take Evelyn to the hospital, and have him gather specialists to treat her personally!"
However, Landon was very perceptive and did not make the call.
Evelyn and Edward wanted to be alone, and it would be inappropriate to interrupt.
"No need, having Edward with me is enough."
Evelyn boldly intertwined her fingers with Edward's, turning to gaze deeply into his eyes, her intense look allowing no one else in. "Dad, I just want to remind you that truly capable people often don't need words or showiness to prove their worth."
"Who was it that first collected evidence, caught the culprit, and under immense pressure, sought justice for me, for SilverSteed, and for the Taylor family? And who did all this silently without mentioning a word to you?"
"I hope you can discern right from wrong and not be swayed by others' words. Don't end up disgracing yourself and becoming a laughingstock!"
With that, Evelyn lifted her charming face, dragging Edward's hand as she briskly walked past Charlie and Gilbert.
A wave of abandonment swept over Gilbert's shoulders, stabbing his heart as he clenched his fists tightly, his expression dark and brooding.
As Edward passed by Charlie, he didn't forget to bow hastily to the elder, his awkward and stiff manner somewhat amusing.
"Evelyn, I find it harder and harder to control her!"
Charlie watched their departing backs, glaring but not stopping them, only pointing at the back of Evelyn's head and shouting, "With such a sharp tongue, whoever marries you in the future will be in for a tough time!"
Landon and Joyce couldn't help but laugh.
Many men wanted to marry Evelyn, but never had the chance.
Seeing Evelyn leave in Edward's car, hatred and unwillingness stormed through Gilbert's chest, reddening his eyes.
But he quickly composed himself, looking at Charlie with a somber expression. "Charlie, it was my slow response that caused Evelyn's trouble today. I couldn't investigate in time, putting you and Evelyn in such a difficult situation."
"Don't say that, child. You've done very well. If it weren't for your timely intervention, who knows how much more the Clark family would have bullied Evelyn." Charlie's attitude remained kind and gentle.
"If I had done better, maybe Evelyn would have noticed me more. You wouldn't have to worry so much about us." Gilbert lowered his pale eyelids, filled with guilt.
"Gilbert, I've seen all the efforts you've made for Evelyn."
Charlie pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering, speaking earnestly, "But you also understand that feelings can't be forced."
Gilbert's pupils contracted sharply, his heart stopping!
What did that mean?
Previously, Charlie had been adamant about pairing him with Evelyn. Why the sudden change in attitude? Was it because Edward helped the Taylor family catch the culprit at the horse race today, making Charlie see Edward differently and ignore Evelyn's years of grievances?
Or, from the beginning, Charlie never hated Edward as much as he said.
And all his efforts to showcase himself in front of Charlie, just when he thought his long-desired happiness was within reach, Charlie casually told him: His efforts were in vain.
He and Edward were back to square one?
No! He wanted Evelyn; he had to marry her!
"Yes, Gilbert, feelings indeed can't be forced."
Joyce walked gracefully to Charlie's side, holding his arm, her tone gentle without any aggression, yet every word stung Gilbert. "Charlie means no harm. We all know your feelings for Evelyn are genuine."
"But love ultimately requires mutual affection to last. And as Evelyn's family, everything we do is to ensure her happiness. If Evelyn ends up marrying someone she doesn't love, we would still be ruining her lifelong happiness."
Landon remained silent, a cold smirk lifting the corner of his lips, his gaze at Gilbert full of disdain.
Joyce, who usually seemed gentle and reserved, was actually very clever.
Her cleverness lay in her deep understanding of Charlie's character. Her words never mentioned Edward, focusing solely on emotions, allowing Charlie to empathize with his daughter's situation.
Gilbert's face turned pale and stiff, his gaze icy and cold, almost unable to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor.
"Gilbert, Joyce is right; love cannot be forced."
Charlie sighed deeply, "Don't lose heart, but also don't be too obsessed. Let things take their natural course."
Although Evelyn didn't want to go to the hospital, Edward managed to coax and carry her there for treatment.
After treating her external injuries and applying medication, they returned home late at night.
"Why are you so annoying, always opposing me? I told you this minor injury didn't need a hospital visit, ah!"
As soon as Evelyn got out of the car, she moved too forcefully and hit her wound, causing her to wince in pain.
Edward, who had been tense the whole time, quickly scooped her into his arms, "Evelyn, stop being stubborn. Do you know how loudly you screamed during the therapy at the hospital?"
"No, I didn't." Evelyn's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Yes, you did. I thought I was standing outside a delivery room, and you were giving birth to our baby." Edward lowered his handsome brow, kissing her sweat-drenched cheek heavily.
His breath was rough, and his kisses were forceful, almost as if punishing her.
Baby. A pang of sour pain hit Evelyn's heart, and she instinctively flinched.
Edward didn't notice her reaction, thinking her awkwardness was due to her injuries. Without a word, he carried her into the villa.
The events at the horse race during the day had already caused a nationwide sensation.
May had heard about it, too. She hadn't eaten dinner and had been waiting in the living room for Edward and Evelyn to return.
"Evelyn! How are your injuries?" May, seeing Evelyn's pale face and being carried by Edward, almost cried out of concern.
"May, I'm fine. I can walk on my own."
Evelyn pouted, lightly punching Edward's firm chest, "It's all his fault, making a big deal out of nothing. I'm not that fragile."
Edward chuckled, his eyes full of affection, "My Evelyn is a warrior goddess, the coolest and most dashing woman I've ever met."
He didn't like to describe a woman as "strong." If it weren't necessary, who would want to be strong?
Evelyn should be cherished like a delicate flower, with him shielding her from all storms and dangers.
Evelyn was starving, her stomach growling.
May hurried to the kitchen to prepare dinner for them, while Evelyn restlessly insisted on taking a bath.
"I want a fragrant bubble bath. I smell like horse manure!"
"No, the doctor specifically told me that your wounds shouldn't get wet for a week, or they'll get infected."
Edward carried her to the bedroom. "How about I help you wipe down, okay?"
"Can you really get me clean that way?" Evelyn pouted in frustration.
"Of course, haven't I always done it for you?"
His warm breath brushed against her ear, his voice husky and seductive, "I promise, inside and out, you'll be spotless."
"Don't get any funny ideas. I'm really tired tonight and just want to sleep!"
Evelyn's mind filled with images that made her blush, along with Edward's naughty and suggestive words, and the wobbly moon outside the window.
Her body gradually heated up, feeling both hot and restless, her heart soft and tender.
Edward sighed heavily, his eyes dark with desire, "Your waist can't handle any more strain. No matter how much I want to, I'll wait until you're better."
In the bathroom.
Evelyn sat in a warm, misty haze, her smooth, white body fully exposed to Edward.
He picked up a damp towel, wiping her down while kissing along her swan-like neck, which was tinged with desire.
He could restrain his desire for her but not his overwhelming love.
Even without sex, they could still be entwined in passionate kisses.
"You usually speak so well in meetings at the Wellington Group, but why were you so silent in front of Charlie today?"
Evelyn, wrapped in a bathrobe, snuggled into his arms, her fingers drawing circles on his Adam's apple, "Didn't you notice Gilbert was taking credit for your work?"
"You were the one who found the culprit; it was all your plan. How dare he take the credit? He's so shameless."
Edward, worried she might fall, held her tightly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he couldn't resist pecking her tender lips, "As long as your troubles are resolved and the outcome is good, I don't care who takes the credit. My Evelyn not being wronged is more important than anything."
Evelyn's nose tingled, tears welling up in her eyes, leaving her speechless.
This was why she loved him.
He cared about nothing but her. She even felt she couldn't match his level of devotion.
"It's just a pity that I can't seem to please everyone."
Edward sighed deeply, patting her trembling back, "I feel like a failing student trying to catch up; it always seems too late."
"No, Edward, you've done very well. Really well." Evelyn's voice was muffled, slightly choked.
'You will always be my hero.'
'But I won't tell you that, for fear you'll get too proud.'
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