Chapter 651

Evelyn stared at the message, a mocking smile curling her lips.

She didn't reply, simply shoved the phone back into her pocket.

She turned to look at Benjamin Wright. "I'll see you back."

Benjamin let out a long sigh, saying nothing more. Leaning on his cane, he shuffled with unsteady steps toward the "cell" he had designed himself.

Evelyn accompanied him into the office and closed the door before turning to leave.

Outside, Grace stood there with red-rimmed eyes, her gaze fixed intently on Evelyn. "Evelyn... I'm sorry. I've caused trouble for you again."

Evelyn patted her shoulder. "Between us, we don't need to say things like that."

Grace wiped her tears. "But you shouldn't have stepped forward... So many people in the Special Operations Division are cursing you. I heard them..."

Evelyn's expression remained calm. "Just words. They don't take a piece of flesh."

Grace was taken aback.

Looking into Evelyn's clear, resolute eyes, she suddenly remembered the first time she was drawn to her back in middle school—it was this same fearless spirit. It had never changed all these years.

Grace clenched her fists, as if making a decision. "Evelyn, I won't make things difficult for you."

With that, she turned and walked toward Marcus Wright's office.

Evelyn was startled. "Where are you going?"

"Resigning."

Grace didn't stop walking, her voice filled with resolve. "My staying here only makes things harder for you. If I leave, out of sight, out of mind. Maybe they'll curse you less."

Evelyn opened her mouth but ultimately offered no劝阻.

Grace's nature was too soft, too concerned with what others thought. Staying here was torture. It was better for her to leave and rest for a while.

She nodded. "Alright. Go ahead and handle the resignation."

Evelyn waited in the courtyard.

Not long after, Grace emerged from Marcus Wright's office holding a few documents. "The suspension paperwork is done. I'll need to cooperate with the investigation later... Evelyn, I'm going home first."

Evelyn asked, "How is your father?"

Grace gave a bitter smile. "He was taken away last night. His days probably won't be easy... but he deserves it. I just never imagined Grandfather would do something like this..."

She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Evelyn reached out and gently patted her back. The words "Your grandfather is a hero" rolled on her tongue but were ultimately swallowed back.

Grace couldn't act. If she let it slip, it would only endanger Professor Nathaniel Wright and Marcus Wright.

She could only say softly, "Grace, be strong."

"I know."

Grace forced a smile and turned to walk away.

People from the Special Operations Division around them pointed and whispered.

Grace didn't hold her head high as she usually did. Instead, she hunched her shoulders, almost trying to make herself disappear.

Evelyn watched her retreating figure, her heart heavy.

Grace wouldn't escape this shadow—unless the old man could clear his name.

She withdrew her gaze and walked straight toward the main gate.

Along the way, disdainful glances were cast her way, and snide remarks drifted to her ears.

"Think you're something special just because you have some skills? Throwing your weight around in the Special Operations Division, who do you think you are!"

"The Cortez Sect has really fallen, taking someone like her as the First Senior Sister. The Sect Leader must be blind."

"I feel embarrassed for the Cortez Sect!"

Evelyn's expression didn't change, as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Exiting the main gate, Alexander's car was parked by the roadside.

She opened the door and got in. Alexander spoke immediately. "One week."

Evelyn turned her head. "What?"

Alexander looked at her. "Professor Nathaniel Wright is returning to the country in one week."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Confirmed?"

Alexander nodded. "Just got in touch. He knows about Benjamin's arrest. He can't wait another year. He's decided to bring his team back in a week. I'll personally handle the reception and security then."

Evelyn was momentarily stunned. "His sudden early return... won't it affect his mission there?"

Alexander smiled slightly. "The professor has wanted to return for a long time. He just lacked a catalyst. Besides, Benjamin endured humiliation for his sake. How could he just watch the old man spend the rest of his life in prison? Their bond... goes both ways."

Evelyn was silent for a moment, then nodded gently.

The kind of unwavering loyalty and camaraderie among that older generation was truly moving.

As she was thinking, her phone rang.

Ethan Valentine's voice came through, urgent and flustered. "First Senior Sister! The good deed you did at the Special Operations Division—Marcus Wright has already reported it to the Sect Leader! The Sect Leader orders you to return immediately to receive punishment!"

Evelyn: "..."

She rubbed her temples and looked at Alexander. "Can't go home. To the Cortez Sect first."