Chapter 5 Chloe sat at the vanity mirror, a smug smile spreading across her lips. "Chloe, you look absolutely gorgeous today! Even more stunning than the bride!" The maintenance director fawned over her as he handed her the bridal brooch, his eyes roving over her body. "Of course I do," Chloe flashed the 14-carat pink diamond on her finger. "Lucas specially bought this for me. Way more expensive than Eva's cheap wedding ring." Lucas's buddies crowded around her, grinning as they kissed ass: "Chloe, you've always been our real sister-in-law. Once you officially marry into the Grant family, you gotta get Lucas to invest more in our businesses!" "Exactly! Lucas is finally marrying the right woman!" Chloe beamed with satisfaction. She stood up, smoothed her dress, and strutted out of the dressing room with her head held high. But when she entered the banquet hall, she found barely any guests left. 'Where's the groom?" She frowned, looking around but seeing no sign of Lucas. Board member Chen looked uncomfortable. 'Ms. Bennett, Principal Grant just got a call and rushed to the hospital. He asked me to wait here and tell Ms. Mitchell when she gets back." 'He... went to the hospital for what?" Chloe's voice trembled uncontrollably. 'His mother woke up! It's a miracle-three years in a vegetative state, and she actually came around." Chloe's smile froze instantly. Lucas raced to the hospital room as fast as he could. 'Mom!" His voice was hoarse, eyes red. "You're finally awake..." Eleanor's gaze fell on him, slightly confused: "Lucas, why are you wearing a tuxedo?" Lucas opened his mouth, then said quietly: "Today's my wedding." Eleanor's face darkened. "I do not approve of you marrying Chloe Bennett. Nothing you say will change my mind." Lucas sighed with relief, smiling as he explained: "Mom, you've been unconscious for three years. I'm marrying Eva." Eleanor's eyes lit up, a smile spreading across her face. Eva was the girl she'd sponsored since childhood-grateful, always making Eleanor's favorite chestnut cookies. Academically, Eva had always made her proud. "Where's Eva? Why isn't she here?" Lucas's throat tightened. He didn't know how to answer. Eleanor looked through the wedding photos suspiciously, her expression growing serious. "Why is Chloe Bennett wearing a wedding dress?" Lucas fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke with difficulty: "Mom, Chloe did save your life. She said she wanted to be a bridesmaid once, and I couldn't refuse. It made Eva uncomfortable..." Eleanor swept the flower bouquet off her bedside table, her voice choking: "You fool! Lucas, you've been deceived! In that car accident-Chloe was the one who hit me!" Lucas felt like he'd been struck by lightning, his whole body freezing. "That's impossible..." he mumbled. "Chloe clearly said..." Eleanor laughed bitterly: "She said? You believe everything she tells you? Do you know she forged her credentials to get into the school? Do you know about her inappropriate relationship with the board chairman at her previous school?" Lucas's head buzzed as countless fragmented memories suddenly connected- During the accident timeframe, only Eleanor and Chloe's cars were on that stretch, but he hadn't paid attention. When he had a fever, Eva stayed up all night with him during his IV drip. But when he woke up in the morning, it was Chloe throwing herself into his arms. When parents accused Eva of seducing their sons, Chloe had been there fanning the flames... 'I need to find Eva." Lucas suddenly stood up. "Mom, I have to find her."