LYDIA'S POV

　　Evan shook his head, frustration evident in his eyes. "I'm not sure. I was never able to catch the exact words of their conversations, but I do know that something felt off. I don't trust Oleg. After what happened during the assessment, we can't afford to trust anyone blindly, not even Oleg. His regular meetings with your mother are a clear indication that something might be wrong."

　　I paused, trying to process his words. "Evan, I know Oleg. He's always been loyal to our family. Maybe he was just checking up on her because of her condition."

　　Evan's eyes darkened. "I understand that you want to believe the best in him, but there have been too many coincidences. Oleg has been acting strangely, and your mother's secrecy adds to the suspicion. We can't ignore this."

　　I sighed, feeling a headache forming. "Evan, it's hard to doubt someone who have worked with your family his whole life. What exactly do you think is happening?"

　　Evan looked around, ensuring no one else was listening. "I don't know for sure, but my gut tells me that Oleg might be involved in something that could harm your family. Maybe he's being blackmailed, or perhaps he's plotting something himself. Either way, we need to be cautious."

　　"Fine, I will be cautious, but I'm sure it's nothing. I don't think Oleg is up to anything. And why would he do something to jeopardize our relationship? He would gain nothing out of it. But thank you for checking up on my mother regularly. That means a lot to me," I said, my voice softening. "And I also know that you switched with Brandon during the assessment."

　　Evan's eyes widened in shock. "You knew?" he questioned, looking almost comical in his surprise.

　　I chuckled at his expression. "Not at first, but I realized it much later. I know you both did it for me and were only looking out for me. It still means a lot to me. You both have proved again and again that my father made the right decision when he chose you as the royal betas."

　　I said even when I wanted to say few more things but refrained myself. The truth is that I realised the difference between the way they embraced me.

　　One used to hug me passionately and without any reservations but the other would always hesitate and hugged as if I was fragile and would break any moment.

　　Evan's face softened, a mixture of relief and gratitude in his eyes. "We would do anything for you, you know that. Your safety and happiness are our top priorities."

　　I smiled warmly. "I know, and I'm grateful. Just promise me you'll keep me informed about anything unusual. No more keeping things from me, alright?"

　　He nodded earnestly. "I promise. No more secrets. We're in this together."

　　We continued walking, the tension easing slightly. As we approached my mother's chambers, I glanced at Evan. "How's she been lately? Besides the conversations with Oleg, I mean."

　　"Speaking of keeping things from you, the truth is…..your mother's health is getting worse." He said solemnly, the sudden change in his tone told me that he was not kidding this time.

　　"What do you mean? How bad?"

　　"You should talk to the doctor."

　　After checking up on my mother's fragile state, I felt a gnawing worry settle in my chest. Her condition wasn't improving; if anything, it seemed to be getting worse. I took my mother's hand in mine, caressing it gently and wondering when she would be back on her feet. Why did she have to suffer like this?

　　"Lydia, I know what you're thinking, but you should talk to the doctors. There's something you need to know about Kate's condition, and I believe they can explain it better," Evan said, his tone serious.

　　I frowned, looking up at him. "Is there something wrong with her?"

　　"No, it's not that. I mean, I can't explain it the way the doctor will. I called him, and he'll be here any moment."

　　I nodded, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. I held my mother's hand tighter, willing her to give me some sort of sign, any sign, that she could hear me, that she was fighting to come back to us.

　　A few minutes later, the doctor entered the room, a serious expression on his face. "Lydia, I'm glad you're here. There are some developments regarding your mother's condition that we need to discuss."

　　I needed answers. I turned to the doctor, my anxiety spilling over.

　　"Doctor," I began, my voice tight with concern, "why isn't she getting better? I know the poison is difficult to eliminate, but her condition is worsening."

　　The doctor looked at me with a serious expression, his demeanour grave. "Lydia, there's something we need to discuss."