As the car entered the city, the rain suddenly began pouring down, accompanied by deafening thunder and streaks of lightning across the sky.
Lincoln's private villa was nestled within Tranquil Haven—
an area known for having the finest environment in all of D.C., the gold standard of villa estates.
To live there was a symbol of status and identity.
Apart from holding the powerful position of Vice President, Lincoln was also the eldest grandson of the influential Norman Consortium. There were hardly a handful in D.C. who could rival his prestige.
And yet, despite all this, very few people knew much about his background. As a politician, his identity was already sensitive—
but it might also have something to do with his personality. The man had always been exceptionally low-key.
Tranquil Haven had been a birthday gift from Lincoln's mother the year before. Evelyn had visited many times, and as far as she knew, she was one of the rare few who had ever stepped inside.
Whether that was an honor or not… she honestly wasn't sure.
As soon as the gatekeeper spotted Lincoln inside the car, he quickly opened the gate with respectful precision.
The car drove through the estate and only came to a stop right in front of the villa.
Waiting at the entrance were the butler, Edison, and the private nurse, Diana. The moment the car stopped, they stepped forward.
"Mr. Vice President!"
Lincoln got out of the car, and the two greeted him with deference.
He gave a light nod. Edison reached over and opened the back door.
When Evelyn stepped out, holding Glen Norman in her arms, Edison's eyes lit up briefly. His face warmed with a smile.
"Evelyn…"
Evelyn nodded softly, about to pass Glen to him. She glanced toward Lincoln, just about to say she should head home—
when a sudden crack of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a booming roar.
Startled, the little one in her arms instinctively clung tighter to her neck. His sleepy eyes blinked once, then slowly shut again, but his small hands held on tightly to her.
"The weather's bad, and it's late. Stay the night," Lincoln said calmly. "Let Diana change your dressing and take a look at your wound."
He didn't wait for her response. Without looking back, he turned and walked into the villa.
Evelyn stood frozen for a second, staring at the man's silhouette as it disappeared into the warm lights ahead.
Then she looked down at the peacefully sleeping Glen in her arms.
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Could she say she didn't want to stay?
But… it didn't seem like she had the right to refuse.
Diana had already stepped forward with a gentle smile.
"Miss Evelyn, please come with me. The Vice President has given instructions. You've had a long day—how about a shower and something to eat first? I'll redress your wound afterward, alright?"
Diana had once been a top-tier nurse and a talented cook as well. She'd been recruited at great expense by the elder Mr. Norman to care for Lincoln's health. She had always been kind and approachable.
After tucking Glen Norman into bed and pulling the blanket up snugly around him, Evelyn finally followed Diana out of the room.
Lincoln had gone straight to his study upon returning. Evelyn's room was arranged just next door.
Exhausted, she took a quick shower. Diana brought her a light supper. Evelyn only managed to eat a small bowl of rice porridge.
After letting Diana redress her wound, she collapsed into bed in a haze of sleepiness.
Her mind was in no shape to wander.
She just felt hollow, completely drained.
The dark whirlpools swirling in her head were too much to even approach—just the thought of them gave her a splitting headache.
She fought to stay afloat, but in the end, the darkness pulled her under.
Outside, the storm still howled.
Inside, she slept like a stone.
It was already 2 a.m., but the lights were still on in Lincoln's study on the second floor of Tranquil Haven.
The study was spacious, with rows upon rows of tall bookshelves packed with volumes. Behind the large, immaculate desk, Lincoln sat quietly in his chair, back to the door, gazing out through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the slumbering darkness of Bay of Nightfall.
The medicinal coffee in his hand was still gently steaming. He gave a few light coughs and took a sip.
Suddenly, a knock came from the door.
"Come in," he said, his voice calm and distant.
The door opened swiftly.
A tall, well-built figure stepped in cautiously.
"Mr. Vice President."
Ivan had rushed over through the storm in the middle of the night. He was genuinely worried.
His eyes swept across the desk, noting the open files still laid out. His expression darkened slightly before he stepped forward.
"How are you feeling, sir?"
"Nothing serious."
Lincoln gave another light cough and turned his chair slightly to face Ivan.
"What is it? Why come so late?"
Ivan hadn't planned to disturb him at such an hour, but he couldn't shake the unease. As soon as he got the call from Edison, the butler, he came immediately.
He knew the Vice President wasn't one to sleep early anyway—he'd expected him to still be awake. And sure enough, he was.
"Last night, after the Chairman heard the news about you, he fainted from the shock. Dr. greg was called over and stayed with him all night. He only just left this morning..."
Ivan hesitated, then continued, his eyes filled with worry.
"The Chairman said if you continue ignoring his advice... he'll... he'll…"
"What?" Lincoln asked calmly, his eyes lowered as he stared at the cup in his hand. His voice was cool and indifferent.
Ivan's voice dropped, helpless and heavy.
"He said… if you still refuse to listen… he'll die just to prove his point."
Lincoln remained silent for a moment, his gaze dropping further. His hoarse voice carried a faint trace of cold detachment.
"Tell him I heard him. I'll consider it."
"Mr. Vice President, the Chairman's determination this time is unlike before. If you keep brushing him off like this, he'll come to confront you himself."
Ivan hesitated for a moment but couldn't help saying those words. Seeing Lincoln's expression remain unchanged, he took a breath and went on,
"Forgive me if I'm overstepping, sir, but you really should consider your health. Why risk your life for a government that doesn't value it? If this is still about General Derek… then surely, you've done enough.
"My choices are mine alone. I don't do this for anyone else. You may leave now."
Before Ivan could finish, Lincoln cut him off coldly. A faint chill crept into his composed, handsome face, enough to make Ivan stiffen slightly.
"Mr. Vice President… I…"
"Just relay my words as I've said them," Lincoln replied calmly, his gaze steady and commanding. "What I've started, I will finish. When it's time to return, I will return."
There was no room for debate in his voice.
Ivan dared not push further. He gave a slight nod and turned to leave. But just as he took a step, he remembered what Diana had mentioned earlier—Miss Evelyn. He hesitated, about to ask, but one glance at Lincoln's detached expression made him think better of it.
Maybe it was best to wait and observe. He'd heard about this Evelyn from Benjamin before—supposedly a secretary personally appointed by the Vice President himself. There might be more to that story than meets the eye…
Benjamin had certainly spiced up the tale with plenty of speculation. Who knew how much of it was true? Regardless, Ivan knew one thing for certain—he needed to look into Miss Evelyn more carefully.