Chapter 39
Evelyn’s POV
On the drive home from the Silver Moon Gala, my mind couldn’t stop racing.Why was Clara so interested in Evelink Biosciences? The way her eyes lit up at the mere mention of my research laboratory made me uneasy. Was she planning something sinister?
It wasn’t just paranoia anymore. The car accident that nearly killed Alexis and me, I was certain Clara was behind it. That woman was more dangerous than I’d initially thought.
I leaned back against the leather seat of my car and closed my eyes.
“Jackson,” I said into my phone, “I need you to run a deeper background check on Clara Whitmore and the entire Calypso Pack.Focus on their business dealings, especially anything related to medical research or pharmaceuticals p>
“Already on it,Dr. Blackwell,”Jackson replied.”Eryx sent over some preliminary findings. You’re not going to like what we found p>
“Try me p>
“The Calypso Pack has been running an underground operation.They’ve been involved in some questionable activities—organ trafficking, illegal drug distribution, even contract killings. Their public business, Summit Industries, is just a front p>
I wasn’t surprised, but hearing it confirmed made my blood run cold.
“There’s more,” Jackson continued. “About the Red Cedar Resort property, Eryx has secured our position. If next month’s government bidding goes as planned, we’ll acquire the land. Perfect for cultivating Moon Root p>
Moon Root was essential for my research on Lunar Degeneration Syndrome. The rare plant only grew in specific soil conditions, and the Red Cedar Resort land was ideal.
“Good,” I replied. “Keep me updated p>
By the time I arrived home, Alexis was already asleep. The house was quiet, the only sound coming from the gentle hum of the air purifier in her room.I stood in her doorway for a moment, watching the rise and fall of her little chest. She looked so peaceful, so innocent.
I showered quickly and changed into comfortable sleepwear before sliding into bed beside my daughter. With her warm body nestled against mine, my racing thoughts finally began to slow. Whatever Clara was planning, I would be ready.
Morning arrived with a sound,my phone ringing at 5 AM. It was Zeon, Calvin’s Beta.
“Luna—I mean, Dr. Blackwell,” he corrected himself quickly. “The young Alphas, Rowan and Rhys,they’ve been rushed to Ravenshade Memorial Hospital. They’re unconscious. Alpha Calvin asked me to inform you immediately p>
I was already out of bed before he finished speaking. “What happened p>
“Unknown. They collapsed during lunch at Ravenshade Academy. Several other pack pups are also affected, but the twins’ condition is most severe p>
“I’m on my way,” I said, ending the call.
I gently woke Alexis and explained that her brothers were sick and needed us. She was drowsy but nodded as I helped her dress. I called Eryx, and within minutes, we were in the car speeding toward Ravenshade Memorial Hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital, the scene that greeted me was chaotic. Several pack families huddled in the waiting room, their faces twisted with worry.But it was the sight of Calvin and Clara standing outside the emergency room that made my blood boil.
Calvin’s face was a mask of cold fury, his entire body radiating dangerous Alpha energy that made passing nurses quicken their pace. Beside him stood Clara, dressed immaculately as always, with not a hair out of place despite the early hour. The preschool director was there too, nervously explaining something to Calvin.
“The food is delivered fresh daily, Alpha Calvin. Our kitchen is monitored at all times. We’ll cooperate fully with any investigation p>
The elite preschool catered to children of prominent families, and their food safety protocols were supposed to be rigorous. The director’s confusion seemed genuine.
“All staff and children eat the same meals,” he continued. “No one else is showing such severe symptoms. There must be some misunderstanding p>
“We will investigate thoroughly and provide answers to you and the other parents,” he promised.
Calvin remained silent, his jaw clenched tight. Clara, meanwhile, was playing the understanding supporter, gently suggesting the director should comfort the other parents. The man looked at her gratefully before hurrying away.
I realized I was still in my home clothes, face bare of makeup, and wearing house slippers. I’d left in such a rush I hadn’t even thought about my appearance. Alexis clung to my hand, her eyes wide with worry.
“Wait here with Eryx,” I told her softly, crouching to her level. “Mommy needs to see your brothers p>
I approached the emergency room doors just as they opened. My heart nearly stopped as two small gurneys were wheeled out, carrying my boys. Their faces were ghostly pale, their eyes closed.
I immediately followed the medical team, my medical training kicking in as I assessed their condition. Clara tried to approach, but I stepped in front of her.
“Your perfume is too strong,” I said firmly, my nose wrinkling at the overpowering rose scent.Clara’s natural scent was a faint rose fragrance,but she never seemed satisfied with it,always drowning herself in expensive perfumes to enhance her appeal. “It will irritate their respiratory system. They need a sterile environment to recover p>
The twins had just come out of emergency treatment. Their bodies were weak, and the last thing they needed was to inhale harsh synthetic fragrances.
Calvin sniffed the air and turned to Clara. “Clara, you should wait elsewhere p>
Her face fell. “Cal p>
It was obvious she’d taken special care with her appearance this morning, rushing over in her designer heels as soon as she heard about the boys.
“I’m worried about them,” she insisted, her voice breaking. “After spending the last two years caring for them like my own, how can I stay away when they’re hospitalized p>
She glanced at me with tearful eyes. “I understand Miss Blackwell is their mother and might feel threatened by how much they like me, but right now they need all the support they can get. Please, Cal, don’t send me away p>
I didn’t bother responding to her theatrics. My focus was entirely on my sons.
Calvin looked at me briefly before turning back to Clara. “We appreciate your concern,” he said politely. “Why don’t you wait in the cafeteria? I’ll have someone notify you when they wake up p>
In the hospital room, I gently touched my sons’ ashen cheeks. I placed my fingers on Rowan’s wrist, feeling his pulse, then did the same for Rhys. After conducting a series of checks, my heart sank as I recognized the symptoms.
This wasn’t food poisoning.