Chapter 4

Evelyn's POV

I yanked out the flash drive, closed the laptop, and retreated to my corner, the entire process smooth as silk, though my heart was pounding like it would burst through my chest.

Dr. Hayes emerged weakly, his face sallow.

"Sorry, I must have eaten something bad."

He sat back down, not daring to drink any more water, and after asking a few cursory questions, pulled out a document.

"Gideon, based on Mia's current symptoms, she does show tendencies of severe bipolar disorder. I recommend starting with medication to control it. If the situation deteriorates, it would be best to send her to a professional treatment facility."

Gideon took the diagnosis, his hands trembling slightly from excitement.

"Good. Whatever Dr. Hayes says. As long as Mia can be cured, money is no object."

Mia sat with her head down, shoulders shaking as if crying, but I knew she was trying not to laugh.

Gideon locked the diagnosis in his safe, where he considered most secure.

But I touched the burning flash drive in my pocket and smirked inwardly.

That was nothing but waste paper. The real bomb was in my hands.

After seeing Dr. Hayes off, Gideon was in high spirits, even giving me an approving look.

"Evelyn, you did well today. From now on, make sure Mia takes the medication Dr. Hayes prescribes on time. Understood?"

"Don't worry, Gideon. I'll make sure to watch her 'carefully.'"

I emphasized the word "carefully."

Those pills would go straight down the drain, every last one.

Gideon moved faster than I'd expected.

The day after obtaining the fake diagnosis, he brought Lydia home.

"Mia, this is Lydia. She just returned from abroad and has nowhere to stay temporarily. You haven't been feeling well lately, so Lydia can keep you company and cheer you up."

Lydia wore a white dress, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, that harmless smile on her face, carrying a basket of fruit.

"Miss Lancaster, hello. Gideon's mentioned you often, saying you're beautiful and capable. Meeting you today, I see he wasn't exaggerating."

The greeting sounded sweet, but I clearly saw the ambition and provocation hidden in Lydia's eyes.

Mia sat in a wheelchair. This was also my suggestion. If you're going to play sick, go all in. Looking frail couldn't hurt.

Mia looked at Lydia, the pillow in her hands twisted out of shape.

Last night I'd shown Mia Lydia's file. This woman's private life abroad had been an utter mess. She'd returned home to take over the Lancaster family business and snag Gideon, the scheming man.

"If she's Gideon's friend, then let her stay. Evelyn, show Lydia to the guest room."

Mia's voice was soft, sounding weak and breathless.

Gideon nodded with satisfaction, seemingly surprised and pleased by Mia's compliance.

"Lydia, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just tell Evelyn."

I led Lydia upstairs. The moment she entered the guest room, the smile dropped from her face. She ran her finger disgustedly along the desk.

"What kind of dump is this? So much dust. Is this how you people serve guests?"

I stood in the doorway, expressionless.

"Miss, this room was cleaned just yesterday. If you find it unsatisfactory, you're welcome to clean it yourself."

Lydia turned around and looked me up and down, her eyes full of disdain.

"You're Evelyn? I heard you're a dog Gideon bought with money? Since you're a dog, you should act like one. Don't bark at your master."

She pulled out a stack of bills from her bag and threw them in my face.

"Take the money. From now on, you do whatever I tell you to do. Got it?"

Bills scattered across the floor. I bent down and picked them up one by one.

Why not take free money? This was emotional distress compensation.

"You're absolutely right. I'll be obedient."

Lydia snorted and turned to unpack her luggage, muttering under her breath, "What a cheap bitch."

I pocketed the money, closed the door, and headed to the surveillance room.