The phone buzzed again with its familiar vibration.

Evelyn Howard picked it up to find a notification from the clinic reminding her about unpaid bills. She stared at the figures for a while before pressing the phone to her chest and closing her eyes.

The next morning, Evelyn was jolted awake by her alarm. Rubbing her eyes, she reached for her phone and instinctively opened Twitter. As she refreshed her feed, her eyes widened in disbelief.

The trending list was inexplicably empty. Any mention of her was wiped clean from the public space. She tried searching with several keywords but came up empty. Even yesterday's post, which had been retweeted over ten thousand times, now displayed "Content Deleted" when she clicked on it.

Evelyn sat on her bed, stunned for a while. Could Owen Morgan have removed the posts? Unlikely, since he had been the one to create the buzz in the first place. Nothing in his demeanor suggested he would suddenly help clear her reputation.

Could it be... Everett Scott?

Evelyn thought of the man from the car last night, and her grip on the phone tightened. Why would he help her? After all, she had already turned down his proposal. Logically, he should have backed off and kept his distance.

What was his reason for going to such lengths for her?

Though Evelyn couldn't fathom his motives, her fingers were already typing a message of gratitude to Everett.

"Mr. Scott, I appreciate you handling the trending topic."

She believed in acknowledging kindness, no matter the reason behind it.

His reply came swiftly.

"No need to thank me, Ms. Howard. I did it for Clover's sake."

His response gave Evelyn pause. Did he mean he was looking out for Clover, so she wouldn't feel burdened? How could he be so generous? His kindness only intensified her feelings of inadequacy over her small, guilty desires.

Evelyn's phone rang again, the caller ID showing a colleague’s number. She answered to hear Margo Andrews’ urgent voice: "Evelyn, something big has happened!"

Evelyn felt her heart skip a beat. "What happened?"

"I can't explain over the phone; you need to come to the school."

"Alright, I’ll be there right away."

After hanging up, Evelyn took a deep breath and got ready. As long as she wasn’t losing her job, there was a chance to fix things.

Arriving at school, Evelyn pushed the door open to see Margo at her workstation. They had started at the school together and shared a cordial relationship previously. But since Margo expressed jealousy over Owen’s interest in Evelyn, she'd kept her distance.

"Well, look who’s here, our celebrity teacher," Margo drawled as Evelyn entered, a cold smile on her face as she casually tossed Evelyn's lesson plans into the trash.

Though Evelyn had grown accustomed to people’s changing attitudes lately, she couldn't help but be surprised by Margo's sudden shift in behavior.

Suppressing her irritation, Evelyn asked calmly, "What are you doing, Margo?"

With a flick of her hair, Margo smiled sweetly, replying, "The department head reassigned your classes to me, along with this prime desk by the window."

She lazily spun her chair, settling deeper into her smug satisfaction.

"Don’t worry, I didn’t touch your lesson plans. Who knows what secrets might be hidden inside? Wouldn’t want to risk corrupting the students, right?"

Ignoring her sarcasm, Evelyn focused on what mattered. "Did you say the head reassigned my classes?"

"You didn’t know?" Margo feigned shock, covering her mouth in exaggerated surprise. "Well, you've been so busy, you must have missed the announcement."

Evelyn watched her, trying to quell her rising frustration. "Let's stick to the facts."

Margo's grin widened at Evelyn’s calm demeanor.

"The results of this year’s performance ratings were announced. I got a promotion, and you, well—" she drew out the words, a mocking shrug punctuating her statement, "better luck next time."

Evelyn suddenly felt she barely knew her, wondering how people could change so quickly.

"Don’t tell me you think I stole your promotion? Ratings are supposed to reflect merit. You're too busy chasing wealthy suitors to focus on teaching, so who do you have to blame?"

Evelyn stayed silent.

"Did I hit a nerve?" Margo’s voice grew louder, fueled by Evelyn’s stoic response. "You bragged about being pursued by someone affluent daily. Now it’s backfired, you play the victim? Hypocrite!"

Just as Evelyn was about to respond, the department head called her to his office.

The head was blunt, mentioning complaints about her teaching attitude and advising her to rectify it. Evelyn, seeking clarity, pressed for specifics, but he remained vague, suggesting she reflect on her conduct.

Reflect on what, exactly?

Having worked there for three years with stellar evaluations, twice awarded 'Most Liked by Students,’ and consistently leading her class to top three in Math, Evelyn knew her teaching was not the issue.

Leaving the head’s office, she stood in the hallway, letting the cold air quell her anger. Upon returning to the office, she paused outside the door, overhearing laughter from within.

Margo's voice was unmistakably the loudest.

"I used to defend her against those rumors about flirting with students' parents, but yesterday I saw it with my own eyes. She just flung herself into that parent’s arms. How desperate can she be?"

Evelyn stood, her hand hovering over the doorknob, listening.

Another colleague chimed in, "Be careful, she might sue for defamation."

"Defamation? Everything I said was witnessed by plenty. Just ask Margo," she taunted.

Margo remained silent.

"Really? Which parent?" someone questioned.

"That kid Clover's uncle. Handsome, obviously wealthy. He's not interested in her; it's just her acting like a lovestruck fool."

Margo lowered her voice just enough for the eavesdropping Evelyn to hear.

"She’s dreaming of being his girlfriend, without realizing how out of her league she is."

Laughter erupted.

Evelyn took a deep breath and entered the office.

The laughter ceased abruptly.

Margo glanced up with a smirk still frozen on her lips.

Just as Evelyn was about to speak—

"You're lying!" a young voice rang out.

Evelyn turned to see Clover Scott standing at the doorway, her face a mix of anger and tears, her doe-like eyes wide with indignation.

Ignoring Evelyn, Clover barged into the office, standing protectively before her favorite teacher like a fierce little kitten.

"Miss Evelyn hasn’t done anything wrong! You can’t just make things up!"

Margo was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"My, my, Clover, you sure know a lot of big words for such a little girl. Who taught you that?"

She shot Evelyn a mocking glance.

Clover’s face reddened with emotion, her chin raised defiantly. "You’re the bad guys!"

Another colleague, seeing the scene, attempted to intervene, gently tugging Clover’s sleeve. "Clover, this isn’t something for kids to be involved in. Go back to class."

Clover shook them off. "Not leaving until you stop saying bad things about Miss Evelyn!"

Margo snorted, leaning back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Miss Evelyn sure knows how to win people over. Even got the kids wrapped around her finger."

Clover trembled with rage, tears brimming but refusing to fall.

Evelyn stepped forward, cradling the young girl.

"Enough, Margo." Her voice carried a rare chill.

"If you want to keep your job, watch your mouth in front of students."

Margo rolled her eyes, pointedly turning away.

Kneeling, Evelyn gently wiped Clover’s tears, softening her tone. "Listen, Clover, if we get upset over a few mean words, aren’t we just giving them exactly what they want? You’re too smart for that, right?"

Clover sniffled, nodding vigorously.

A colleague stepped in to ease the tension. "Let’s all calm down, okay?"

"This isn’t the place for a spectacle."

Margo chuckled, pretending to immerse herself in lesson planning.

Clover’s anger eventually ebbed, but her resolve remained.

"Why do they say such things when they don’t even know you, Miss Evelyn?"

The March breeze seeped through the hallway, its chill contrasting with the warmth in Clover’s words, words that unexpectedly stung Evelyn’s nose.

Evelyn ruffled the young girl's hair. "Because they don’t understand me, and that’s why they speak wrongly. But you stood up for me because you do understand, and that’s incredibly brave of you. Thank you, Clover."

Clover’s eyes sparkled with pride.

"Does that make me a brave child?"

"Absolutely." Evelyn affirmed with sincerity, "You’re the bravest little warrior."

Clover beamed, throwing her arms around Evelyn, burying her face in her warmth.

"Don’t worry, Miss Evelyn. I’ll find someone to stand up for you!"

Without waiting for a response, Clover scurried away.

Back in her classroom, she discreetly retrieved her smartwatch, sending a voice message to the top contact on her list.

"Uncle Everett! Come quick! Some meanies are picking on Miss Evelyn!"

Just before the school day ended, Evelyn Howard got an unexpected call to a meeting. As she entered the room, she immediately felt something was off. Her colleagues shot her occasional glances, filled with a sense of anticipation, like they were waiting for a storm to hit.

Evelyn sat near the door, placing her lesson plans on her lap, eyes down to avoid meeting anyone's gaze. At the head of the table, Ms. Bennett wore a stern expression, all business. Once everyone was seated, she cleared her throat and surveyed the room, her eyes finally resting on Evelyn.

"We've convened this meeting to address an issue that needs to be handled openly," Ms. Bennettbegan, pausing for effect. "Evelyn, this afternoon, were you involved in an incident with a student in the office, causing them to cry?"

Evelyn looked up, her voice calm yet steady, "I wasn't."

Ms. Bennettfrowned. "There have been complaints that your personal matters are affecting your teaching, and that there was a conflict with a colleague in front of students. Even as a private institution, Westfield International School holds student welfare as paramount. Such behavior isn’t acceptable."

Evelyn got it instantly—someone had complained about her. She laid her lesson plans aside but kept her cool. "Actually, today in the office, some colleagues were gossiping about me. Clover Scott, a student, overheard and stood up for me. There was no disturbance in the teaching environment."

"Are you still denying it?" a sharp voice interrupted. It was Penny Silva. "Evelyn, don’t you feel guilty saying that? Cozying up to Clover's family, acting all friendly with her at the classroom door. What about the other students seeing your favoritism?"

"Enough!" Evelyn stood up, her gaze icy. "You all were gossiping in the office, and a seven-year-old heard your nasty comments—and you dare blame me?"

"Evelyn Howard, I've let things slide before, but my patience isn't infinite. Do you even know why I comforted Clover, or why she was upset?"

Penny was startled by Evelyn's anger, momentarily speechless. The room was thick with awkwardness—people busied themselves with their notebooks or found the ceiling suddenly interesting.

Regaining her composure, Penny retorted, "We’re discussing your bias toward students, Evelyn. Why bring up other issues? Isn’t it true what we’re saying about your actions? Are you completely unaware of what you’ve done?"

"I truly have no idea," Evelyn replied with a wry smile. "Could you enlighten me on these supposed actions?"

Frustrated by Evelyn's attitude, Penny crossed her arms with a smirk, "The internet’s full of rumors about you. The school hasn’t acted yet, so you’re lucky. And you still ask what you've done?"

Evelyn clenched her fists, meeting Penny’s gaze with determination. "If you keep spreading lies, I’ll take you down with my words."

Penny instinctively shrank back, then, realizing her embarrassment, her voice turned sharper, "Oh, now you’re threatening me? Everyone heard that, right? Some people are unhappy about my potential promotion—now they’re threatening me to disrupt my teaching. How can I work peacefully?"

A voice interjected, aiming to calm the situation. "Evelyn, maybe that wasn’t the best move. Perhaps a written apology to Penny would be wise."

"Yeah, just apologize. We’re all colleagues; let’s not waste time."

"Escalating this won’t do you any good."

Evelyn looked at them, feeling an overwhelming sense of irony. They all knew the truth, the real story behind the rumors, and Penny’s deceit. Yet none cared; they just wanted to be on the perceived "right" side.

In that moment, Evelyn found it utterly absurd. She slowly rose, her gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"Why should I apologize?" Her voice was soft, yet it commanded attention. "Because you got caught gossiping? Or because I defended myself in front of a child?"

She turned back to Penny. "Penny Silva, do you truly think you’ve reached your position without any dirty tricks? Don’t treat everyone else like fools."

Penny's face turned bright red in sudden embarrassment.

The principal, Aurora Bennett, suddenly banged the table to restore order. "What’s all this racket? You’re educators, act like it!"

Her stern gaze landed on Evelyn. "Ms. Howard, ultimately, your actions have caused widespread dissatisfaction. Let’s not drag this out, just apologize and make peace so we can all work in harmony."

Evelyn met his eyes. "Principal, do you honestly believe this is my fault?"

Ms. Bennett expression was unreadable for a moment. Then, she sighed and said, "Evelyn, with your current attitude, you’re not suitable to continue teaching. If you refuse to apologize, I have no choice but to place you on temporary leave."

She averted her gaze, "Westfield values hard work and fair reward. While you’re on leave, your salary will naturally be on hold."

Evelyn gripped her hands tighter, feeling the gravity of her situation. The truth was, her suspension was just a convenient way for the school to avoid crossing Owen Morgan, a major shareholder linked to the private institution.

But what could she do? Her sister was still in the hospital, and the medical bills piled up astronomically each month. She couldn't afford to lose her job.

Taking a deep breath, she was about to speak when—

"Who’s talking about suspending Ms. Howard?"

The door to the meeting room swung open, and everyone turned to look.

Principal Lee stood there, and the room fell silent in surprise as he entered. "Principal Lee? What brings you here?" Ms. Bennet tstammered, caught off guard.

Ignoring her, Principal Lee walked into the room and placed some documents on the table. "Ms. Bennet, before you discuss suspending Ms. Howard, you might want to look at this."

A flicker of panic crossed Ms. Bennet’s face. "Principal, what is this..."

He fixed her with a sharp look. "It’s the surveillance footage from the office this afternoon. Ms. Bennet, did you verify the situation when you received a complaint?"

"You didn’t," Mr. Lee answered for her. "You immediately called a meeting to address Evelyn."

He closed the folder, his voice turning cold. "Ms. Bennett, have you forgotten Westfield’s guiding principles? Prejudice and injustice in decision-making—looks like I need to reevaluate your position as head of the grade."

Ms. Bennettopened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. Normally, Mr. Lee was too busy to get involved with school matters. Why was he suddenly here, supporting Evelyn Howard?

Dismissing her, Principal Lee turned to Penny. "Penny Silva, in your four years here, your teaching capabilities have been average at best, but you seem adept at office politics. Starting today, your promotion is on hold, and you’re disqualified from any awards this semester. If I hear about your gossiping again, you’re out."

Penny’s face turned ashen, her confidence thoroughly deflated. "Principal, I..."

He cut her off with a wave of his hand, his gaze stern. "I’m not interested in your excuses. Apologize to Ms. Howard now."

Reluctantly, Penny’s voice, now barely above a whisper, offered, "Ms. Howard, I apologize..."

Ms. Bennettalso bowed her head, swallowing her pride. "Ms. Howard, I didn’t verify the details... I'm sorry."

Evelyn stood there, having waited a long time to hear these words. Yet, as they reached her ears, there was no sense of triumph, only an inexplicable weariness.

Seeing Evelyn's silence, Principal Lee dismissed the meeting. "Alright, that's enough. Meeting adjourned."

Afterward, the others trickled out of the room, casting careful glances as they passed. Principal Lee approached Evelyn with a kind smile, "Ms. Howard, I apologize for the trouble you went through today."

"No need, thank you," Evelyn replied, genuine gratitude in her voice.

Principal Lee waved off her thanks. "No need to thank me. I was just following instructions. Someone is still waiting for you outside."

Following instructions? Evelyn felt a flutter of suspicion but managed a nod of thanks, quickly leaving the administration building.

As she reached the front doors, her pace slowed. By a pillar stood a man, clad in a black coat, the fading light of evening casting a soft glow over his silhouette.

He appeared lost in thought, yet there was a palpable presence as he waited. At the sound of her footsteps, he looked up, and their eyes met.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was him—Everett Scott.

Everett Scott's car was parked right at the entrance of the school, and Clover Scott had already been picked up by the family driver. Evelyn Howard hesitated for a moment but eventually got into the car.

As the car navigated through traffic, there was a moment of silence inside. "Everett," Evelyn began, unable to hold back as she watched the scenery fly by outside the window. "If I marry you, will I still be able to continue teaching at Wilde International School?"

Everett, with one hand on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road ahead, turned his head to glance at her. He replied sincerely, "Of course you can. You can do what makes you happy. Our marriage won't be a restriction for you."

Evelyn fidgeted with her fingers, uncertain, and spoke again, "What if I choose to marry you just to get out of my current situation? As you've seen, because of Owen Morgan, my work and life are a mess. Would you mind that?"

The car stopped at a red light. Everett turned to her, his gaze calm and reassuring, and said seriously, "There was no emotional foundation between us before. My intention for marrying you isn't purely selfless either. If this marriage can assist you, think of it as a fresh start to embrace a better life."

Evelyn looked at him, suddenly at a loss for words. Everett tapped the steering wheel lightly and said with sincerity, "Evelyn, I keep my promises. You need support, and I can be that for you. As for anything else, I won't force you if you don't want it."

The light turned green. He returned his gaze to the road and restarted the car. "Take your time to think it over. There's no rush."

Evelyn leaned back in her seat, watching the city skyline retreat through the window. Her tangled thoughts began to calm. She thought of Owen Morgan's threats, the duplicitous nature of her colleague Rainie, the suspension crisis, and the principal's support. What seemed like a disaster to her was just a small matter Everett could settle with a word.

As her colleague Adaline had pointed out, if she were in a stable marriage, others would hesitate to attack her personal life with rumors.

She couldn't let her past, where she'd had unrealistic dreams about him, stop her now, could she? Evelyn took a deep breath, turned to Everett, and said, "Everett."

"Hmm?"

"I've made up my mind."

Everett switched on the emergency lights and slowly pulled over to the side of the road, his intense gaze fixed on her face. Meeting his eyes, Evelyn stated firmly, "I agree to marry you. You don't need to worry—I won't cling to you. If you change your mind and want a divorce in the future, I'll agree without any fuss."

The car was silent. Evelyn saw the corner of Everett's lips curve slightly, not much, but it was indeed a smile. "Okay," he said.

Just one word. Yet Evelyn suddenly felt as if she'd made the right choice.

The next day, the rumors about Evelyn at school sharply decreased. Even the usually arrogant Rainie vacated Evelyn's desk without a fuss. During lunch break, Evelyn received a bouquet of vibrant roses without a signature. There was only a card saying, "Do well at work, and I'll pick you up after to get our marriage license."

Looking at the handwriting, Evelyn smiled. Perhaps all of this wasn't so bad after all. In just one day, her colleagues seemed to sense a subtle change in the air. Penny's defeat was evident, and Evelyn seemed to be thriving. Someone had even sent her flowers with a grand gesture.

When curious coworkers asked, Evelyn, didn't hide it. "They're from my fiancé," she said casually. Her words caused quite a stir in the office. However, she had no intention of satisfying their curiosity further. With no classes scheduled for the afternoon, she left early with her bouquet.

As Evelyn exited the elevator, she called Everett Scott. After hanging up, she inhaled the scent of the roses in her arms, a bright smile blossoming on her face.

It was truly a beautiful day—clear skies and a gentle breeze—perfect for getting the marriage license. As she enjoyed the moment, an unexpected visitor approached. It was Owen Morgan's assistant, Jake Nash.

"Miss Howard, our boss would like to invite you to dinner." Evelyn's expression cooled. "No thanks. I might feel sick just looking at his face."

Jake Nash showed no sign of offense. Instead, he glanced at the roses she was holding and said, with a hint of implication, "Alright, I'll report back to him as you wish."

"Do what you like, you sycophant," Evelyn muttered, rolling her eyes and walking past him without a second look.

Jake turned to watch her retreating figure and calmly said, "Miss Howard, our boss has also invited Dr. Jensen Romero."

Evelyn stopped abruptly. Dr. Romero was her sister's primary physician. Taking a deep breath, she stiffened her face. "Lead the way."

Jake Nash's face broke into an appropriately subtle smile as he gestured, "After you."

In the car, Evelyn stared at her chat window with Everett Scott for a long time before hesitantly typing out a message.

"Everett, I'm sorry, but I can't go get the license with you today."

Though she was the one who agreed to the marriage, she felt deeply guilty about bailing on their agreement to obtain the license. But she had no choice. Her sister's condition was rare, and Dr. Romero's team in Manchester was crucial to her recovery. She couldn't let Owen Morgan jeopardize that.

As soon as she sent the message, Evelyn received a call from Everett. "Is there any trouble? Do you need my help?" His steady and resonant voice was filled with an all-encompassing sense of security.

Evelyn's worried heart settled a little. She laughed softly, "No, I can handle it."

"Alright, stay safe."

Everett hung up, watching the business sedan drive further away. He pressed down on the gas, following discreetly.

At the restaurant, Evelyn pushed open the private room door just in time to see Dr. Romero shaking hands with Owen Morgan, his face alight with excitement and gratitude. "Mr. Morgan, your ambition is impressive. On behalf of everyone, thank you and best wishes for your continued success."

It seemed like they were having a lively conversation. Evelyn's unease grew as she called out, "Dr. Romero..."

"Ah, Miss Howard," Dr. Romero turned, acknowledging her with a nod before picking up his briefcase from the chair. He addressed Owen with polite formality, "Since your guest has arrived, I won't intrude further. I'll await your good news."

Owen nodded with arrogant grace and gestured for Jake. "See Dr. Romero out."

"Dr. Romero, my sister..." Evelyn attempted to speak with him, but he acted as if he didn't hear her, leaving without turning back.

Evelyn turned to face Owen, seated at the head of the table, her eyes as cold as a knife. "What did you do, Owen?"