Chapter 285

"Evelyn, come here." Adrian Valentine's smoldering gaze burned into her silhouette by the doorway.

Why should he suffer alone while she remained composed?

Evelyn Roland took a wary step back, her voice icy at his darkened expression. "We'll talk when your assistant arrives."

This man had no sense of boundaries. Divorce meant distance.

Adrian's fingers clenched the hospital sheets before falling still.

The strained position aggravated his wounds, sweat soaking through his gown.

Evelyn glanced at her phone.

A message from Zachary:

[Boss, how bad are the injuries?]

Evelyn: [Surface wounds. Getting treated soon.]

Zachary: [Go now! If Gabrielle sees you hurt, she'll skin me alive.]

Evelyn: [She's gentle. Don't exaggerate.]

Zachary: [Gentle? Last time I lost your pen, she chased me down three blocks screaming!]

Her fingers paused.

That pen had been Gabrielle's birthday gift to her.

The sweet-faced woman turned into a spitting wildcat when protecting what she cherished.

Evelyn: [Monitor Mrs. Langley's movements.]

Zachary: [On it! But please tend to your wounds first!]

A soft laugh escaped her. Fearless Zachary had finally met his match.

Confirming the three patients were stable, she turned to leave.

The closing door startled Adrian.

He jerked upright—only catching the swinging door.

"Tch." A bitter smirk twisted his lips as fire lanced across his back.

Then he remembered the blood trailing down her arm.

Gritting his teeth, Adrian hauled himself up and staggered after her.

The nurses' station glowed brightly.

"Change the dressing daily," a nurse murmured, admiring Evelyn's wrist. "Such beautiful skin shouldn't scar."

Evelyn lowered her lashes. "It won't."

She had her own remedies.

Adrian lurked in the shadows.

That delicate wrist had once fit perfectly in his grasp.

Her calming fragrance, skin softer than silk—

He'd canceled all social engagements, insisting she accompany every business trip. Only in her arms could he sleep.

Now he stared at the ceiling till dawn.

Hate and longing tore at him.

Her light laughter floated down the hall.

She laughed more freely since leaving him.

Perhaps Alexander's shadow had finally lifted.

As she turned, Adrian hastily retreated.

Blood seeped through his bandages with each step—like walking on blades.