Chapter 53

Julia saw him when she turned—Walter, looking like he had just trekked through a dust storm, standing at the hospital room's entrance.

Evangeline nearly whistled in admiration. He had arrived quicker than she had expected.

At that moment, Julia was a picture of distress with tears streaming down her face. Andrew was slumped in a chair, clutching his chest as if wounded.

"You made it," said Evangeline, her voice dripping with mock surprise.

True to form, Walter had come running the moment Julia needed him. Evangeline realized she had been the fool for far too long—it was time to bow out.

"Walt, she's lost it. I'm terrified." Julia clung to Walter by the bedside, her eyes brimming with tears, the picture of a damsel in distress.

"Don't worry, I'm here now," Walter reassured her, gently patting her back.

His gaze fell on the livestream, and his face turned to stone.

Julia quickly killed the feed.

Evangeline did not wait for Walter to respond.

The show was over, and she had said