Chapter 62

Summary

• Evelyn Hugo led a quiet and scandal-free life in her old age, living in marital friendliness with Robert for 11 years after moving back to Manhattan.
• They engaged in philanthropic activities, including donating money to LGBTQ+ organizations and lung disease research, and hosting an annual Christmas benefit for homeless youth in New York City.
• Evelyn's focus was mostly on her daughter, Connor, who rose in her career at Merrill Lynch before admitting that she despised the culture and choosing to teach at Wharton instead, with Robert helping her secure the job behind the scenes.
• After Robert's death at 81, Connor and her boyfriend Greg stayed with Evelyn for a while.
• Evelyn, who lived alone once again after Connor and Greg left, hired Grace to assist her. Evelyn enjoyed providing for Grace and her family with the fortunes she inherited from her past husbands.
• Life was pleasant for Evelyn, occupying her time with hosting charity dinners, collecting art, and spending time with Connor, until Connor was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at 39.
• Evelyn was deeply pained watching her daughter suffer, and she cared for Connor as she underwent chemotherapy and other treatments.
• Strongly expressing her love for Connor, Evelyn revealed that she believed her greatest earthly purpose was to be Connor's mother. They shared a strong bond based on sincerity and love.
• Connor died 18 months post-diagnosis, and her death devastated Evelyn, who sunk into an unrelenting state of panic and grief.