Chapter 423

It was explicit.

The moment the audio started playing, Everett immediately recognized the content and shut it off with lightning speed.

He texted Reginald two words: [You're dead.]

Reginald replied with laughing emojis. [You've got a girlfriend now. Time to educate yourself. Broaden your horizons.]

Everett fired back: [Shut your mouth!]

Reginald wisely stopped responding.

Everett returned to studying Phantom's case files. Before he knew it, thirty minutes had slipped by. He lay sprawled on the bed, one arm tucked behind his head, his thoughts tangled in an unfamiliar mess. His mind had always been disciplined—until Rosalind entered his life.

Something about her unsettled him.

Against his better judgment, his fingers found his phone again. The video played before he could stop himself.

Next door, Rosalind and Lillian were already in bed, chatting softly. "How's your mom been feeling lately?" Rosalind asked.

Lillian smiled. "Much better. That medicine you got her really helped. She has more energy now, and the pain isn't as bad."

Rosalind exhaled in quiet relief. The medication was imported, expensive—she'd asked Theodore to prescribe it to Margaret at a fraction of the cost. They didn't know the truth.

It was working, but it wasn't a cure.

"Lil, once you get into Willowridge High, you can stay with me. My place is right by campus."

Rosalind knew Margaret wouldn't last much longer. When she was gone, Lillian would have no choice but to live with Everett—and that wasn't ideal.

She wanted to take Lillian in as a sister. Alistair valued talent, and Lillian was bright. He'd approve.

Lillian chuckled. "I'll probably stay in the dorms. I like my independence."

Both Everett and Lillian were stubborn. Rosalind smiled. "Focus on your exams first. They're coming up soon, and you've got school tomorrow. Get some rest."

"Night, Rosalind."

Lillian drifted off quickly.

Rosalind, however, couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned before finally giving up and slipping out of bed. She needed to see Everett.

At his door, she raised her hand to knock—then noticed it was slightly ajar.

She pushed it open. "Everett!"

Everett, sprawled on his bed with his phone, startled violently. He shoved the device under his pillow. "What are you doing here?"

"Checking on you. Why so jumpy?"

Rosalind's sharp eyes zeroed in on his hidden phone. "What are you hiding?"

Everett scowled. "This is my room. Get out."

Rosalind strode to his bed. "Not happening. Why are you kicking me out? Show me your phone."

She reached for it.

Everett exhaled sharply. "Is breaking into people's rooms a hobby of yours?"

He tried to stop her, but Rosalind was faster. She snatched the phone and unlocked it.

"You're watching something?" She tapped the screen.

Everett didn't answer.

He flopped back, eyes closed. Fine. Let her see.

Rosalind's dark eyes widened. "You're watching this? You're disgusting!"