Since Charles couldn't see the wonderful person Evelyn was, Rosa figured she'd find someone who would truly appreciate and take care of her.

Stepping up, she took Evelyn's hand. "Eve, don't worry, I've got you. I'll find you someone special."

"Grandma, I really don't want to go on blind dates," Evelyn protested.

Charles was right about her. However, it wasn't because she was hung up on him, but because she had unfinished business-avenging Charlie. She couldn't focus on anything else right now. Rosa spoke with heartfelt sincerity, "Eve, I just want to make sure someone has your back."

She had always hoped Evelyn and Charles would end up together. Charles was her favorite grandson. She trusted Evelyn's love for him. She knew Evelyn would treat him right.

But with Dahlia complicating things, Rosa realized Charles couldn't be relied upon anymore. Evelyn needed someone else to watch out for her.

"Grandma, I don't need anyone else. Having you around is more than enough," Evelyn said, leaning against Rosa's shoulder.

Rosa gave her a gentle pat on the head. "Oh, you sweet girl. I'd protect you forever if I could. But life has its way of reminding us that we're only here for so long. I'm not sure how much time I have left..." She was well aware of her own limitations.

"Grandma!" Evelyn's eyes filled with tears, stopping Rosa mid-sentence.

Rosa squeezed Evelyn's hand. "Eve, while I'm here, I'll do everything to keep you safe. But if I'm gone and there's no one to look after you, I won't rest easy."

Evelyn finally nodded. "Okay, Grandma. I'll trust you on this."

...

When Charles entered the basement where Dahlia was held, the bodyguard followed Rosa's orders, didn't block him and respectfully opened the door.

Charles was stunned by the scene in front of him. Dahlia's biggest fear was snakes.

"Dahlia." He rushed in without hesitation.

She was pale and in a mess, lying on the ground with several snakes wrapped around her and more

slithering nearby. Terrified to hem et

core, her eyes were wide with fear, but when she saw Charles, she managed a faint, "Charles.

Aiden quickly motioned for the bodyguards to clear the snakes away.

Charles bent down, scooped Dahlia up, and kicked two bodyguards out of his path before striding out of the room.noveldrama

Once in the car, he took her straight to the hospital.

After a thorough check-up, Dahlia was physically unharmed but mentally shaken. She leaned weakly against Charles. "Charles, I'm okay, but I need to see Sandy. She can't be without me. I'm worried she'll cry."

Charles didn't argue and took her to Sandy's hospital room.

"Mommy, I miss you." Sandy ran into Dahlia's arms, clutching her tightly.

Dahlia held Sandy close, soothing her softly. It was late, and Sandy quickly drifted off to sleep in her mother's arms.

Dahlia kissed her daughter's

forehead tenderly and tucked her in.

In that moment, she let go of her brave front. She collapsed into Charles' embrace, trembling like a leaf caught in the wind.

"Charles, I'm so grateful you got me out in time. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't.

"I was terrified. Why would Evelyn do this to me?

"Why did she use snakes-the one thing I fear most-to scare and torture me?"