Chapter 445

Evelyn turned toward him, her voice thick with curiosity. "What about family love? Doesn't that matter too?"

Nathaniel fell silent.

"I'm devoted to my work, but I also care deeply about my home, my family, and him," Evelyn affirmed.

"I changed my citizenship to pursue better research opportunities, but in doing so, I lost the people I loved most," she sighed, her tone heavy with regret. "Was it worth it?"

Nathaniel met her gaze. The sorrow in her eyes and the unshed tears stirred something inside him.

Suddenly, he spoke. "Evelyn, there might still be a way for you to go back."

She stiffened, her eyes locking onto his with nervous intensity.

Nathaniel reached out, pulling her closer. "Listen carefully."

Without hesitation, she leaned in. Cupping her ear, he whispered a string of words.

Evelyn blinked, her eyes brightening with sudden hope. A grateful smile curved her lips. "Thank you, Nathaniel."

He warned, "I've given you the solution, but success isn't guaranteed. It’ll require a gamble."

She nodded solemnly. "I’m willing to take that risk."

"Will he agree to it?" Nathaniel asked.

Her confidence wavered. "He’ll probably refuse."

"Why? Doesn’t he love you?"

Evelyn sighed. "His love is selfless. Asking him to act selfishly is impossible."

Nathaniel gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Then come up with a plan."

"Alright," she murmured, sinking into deep thought as she considered how to execute it.

At noon, Rosalind woke, and Evelyn helped her with lunch.

Ryan arrived with a bouquet of crimson roses and a basket of fresh fruit.

The sight of the bold red roses stunned both Evelyn and Rosalind.

Red roses for a hospital visit? Evelyn nearly laughed. Ryan was even bolder than Liam, who usually brought lilies.

Rosalind chuckled awkwardly.

Ryan handed her the flowers. "These are for you. Get well soon."

She gave a hesitant smile. "Thank you, but... red roses?"

Ryan explained, "The florist recommended them as the best choice."

With an amused smirk, Rosalind raised a brow. "Did she happen to have too many roses in stock?"

Ryan shook his head. "No, the shop only had these eleven."

Evelyn bit back a laugh and exchanged a knowing glance with Rosalind.

Both were flustered. Eleven roses—it was hard not to see it as a romantic gesture.

Sensing their discomfort, Ryan grew nervous. "Did I mess up? The florist swore women love these."

Rosalind quickly reassured him with a bright smile. "I do love them. It’s perfect."

Evelyn glanced toward the door, but Liam was nowhere in sight. Disappointment flickered in her chest. "Ryan, is Liam not coming?"

"He’s swamped with work. He asked me to pass along his regards," Ryan explained.

Evelyn pressed further. "Any news about my grandparents?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not yet."

Her mood dimmed, and she fell into a heavy silence.

"However," Ryan added, "there’s been a delay in your grandfather’s asset transfers. Only about 200 million has been moved overseas so far."

Money meant nothing to Evelyn. All she wanted was her family’s safe return.

Abruptly, she stood. "Ryan, I need some air. Can you stay with Rosalind?"