[EVE]
As I sped through the city, my phone rang again. This ti, the caller ID made my stomach drop—Sinclair.
The old man never called unless it was sothing important. With a swipe, I answered, switching it to speaker so I could focus on the road.
"Old man, what's so urgent?" I asked, keeping my tone light despite the dread creeping in.
There was a long sigh on the other end. "How many tis must I tell you to call grandfather?" Discover hidden content at empire
I rolled my eyes. "If that's what you're worried about, I guess this call isn't as urgent as I thought?"
His tone turned sharp. "Don't be flippant, Eve. This is serious."
I clenched the wheel tighter. "Alright, I'm listening. What's happened?"
"Do you know Sophie is in the hospital? She claid—indirectly—that you pushed her down the stairs."
The words hit like a gut punch. Even though I'd just left a room full of accusatory stares and whispers, hearing Sinclair confirm the rumors sent a wave of anger and disbelief crashing over .
"You don't actually believe that, do you?" My voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. "I haven't been anywhere near Sullivan's house in months. How could I possibly push her?"
"Of course I don't believe it, but what I believe doesn't matter right now," Sinclair replied gravely. "You're all over the news. They're not naming you outright, but the insinuations are enough. Everyone's assuming it's you. They're painting you as so kind of scheming whore, trying to eliminate the 'real heiress' to claim everything for yourself."
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "That's the biggest load of nonsense I've ever heard."
"Eve, this isn't a joke," Sinclair said, his tone cutting through my humorless chuckle. "They're dragging your na through the mud, and it's only going to get worse."
I exhaled slowly, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is easy to clear up, right? Just tell them I've been living at your estate and nowhere near Sullivan's house. That alone disproves their accusations."
Sinclair paused, his silence heavy. "Unfortunately, this ti it's not so simple. I can't get directly involved."
I frowned. "What do you an?"
"Your reputation as my adopted daughter is already under scrutiny. You've heard the rumors, haven't you? That you're manipulating , or worse that you're my woman. If I step in now, it'll only add fuel to their fire."
The anger simring in my chest flared hotter. "So what? We let them spread lies because you're worried about those rumors?"
"It's not just that," he said firmly. "If we try to resolve this quietly, people will assu I forced Sullivan to cover up the truth, and it'll drag both our nas through the mire."
I gritted my teeth. He wasn't wrong, but the injustice of it all made my blood boil. "Then what do you expect to do?"
There was another pause, and when he spoke again, his voice carried an edge of reluctant resolve. "You've always held back for my sake, especially with Sullivan, Sophia, and Sophie. But this ti . . . I'm giving you permission to handle it your way."
My grip on the wheel tightened, my heart pounding as his words sunk in. "You an . . . ?"
"I know you've wanted to teach them a lesson," he said, his tone grim. "And now, I do too. The only way to clear your na is to make them tell the truth themselves. No more concessions."
A cold smile curved my lips. "Don't worry, Grandfather. I'll make sure they clear my na. As long as they tell the truth, I won't push it further. But if they don't . . ."
Sinclair sighed heavily on the other end. "Do what you must, but tread carefully. And for now, it's best if you don't stay at the mansion. At least until things settle down."
I blinked, caught off guard. "You're kicking out?"
"It's for your safety," he said, his voice softening. "You've gotten used to life here, I know. But right now, it's too dangerous."
I groaned. I was really getting the hung of the madam life in there. "What about Sebastian? He's been sticking to like glue."
"He'll stay with you on weekends if you're not busy with school. And I'll have Cole double your security detail, just in case."
"Fine," I muttered, though truthfully, the idea of being alone didn't bother much. With the upcoming month packed with travel, it was better for Sebastian to start getting used to my absence anyway.
"Eve . . ." His voice stopped just before I ended the call.
"Yeah?"
"Be careful," he said, his tone tinged with hidden concern. "And for once, try to avoid getting into any more drama."
I laughed softly, though there was no humor in it. "I can be careful, Grandfather, but avoiding drama? I don't think that's possible in my life right now."
He sighed again, a deep exhale that practically echoed his frustration. I could almost see him shaking his head before the line went dead.
I burst into Hyun's studio, my steps echoing across the chaotic space. Staff mbers were pacing back and forth, their expressions taut with panic as they juggled frantic conversations and hurried tasks.
The tension in the air was high, like a taut string about to snap. Ignoring the commotion, I made my way to Hyun's office.
The mont I stepped inside, I saw him seated behind his desk, his face pale and drawn as though the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Georgina stood beside him, speaking in low, urgent tones, but both froze when they noticed .
Hyun's eyes lit up with relief, and before I could react, he shot up from his chair and rushed toward . His arms wrapped tightly around in a desperate hug, catching completely off guard.
"Eve! You're finally here!" he exclaid, his voice trembling.
I stiffened montarily, surprised by the sudden embrace. Though Hyun often exuded a puppy-like deanor, the firm strength of his hold reminded he wasn't just a helpless boy—he was a man, albeit one clearly overwheld.
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