Chapter 185

Edmund Whitaker continued, "In my professional opinion, you needn't seek additional investors."

"The entire production for this fashion show can be handled by Kingsley Industries' subsidiary. Even future orders could be—"

Evelyn Carter's eyes sparkled with excitement at his words.

This would significantly enhance Kingsley Industries' market performance!

Overwhelmed with gratitude, she clasped her hands together. "Thank you, Professor Whitaker!"

Edmund waved dismissively. "No need for formalities, my dear."

"I simply recognize exceptional talent when I see it. Someone with your potential shouldn't be wasted."

His praise felt like official validation of Evelyn's abilities.

Blushing slightly, Evelyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Professor Whitaker, you flatter me too much."

Edmund chuckled warmly. "My dear, you've completely won me over!"

The surrounding crowd exchanged knowing glances, detecting deeper implications in Edmund's words.

Everyone in design circles knew Edmund had been searching for a protégé for two years. Countless design students from prestigious institutions had auditioned.

Yet astonishingly, none had met his exacting standards.

Until Evelyn.

Murmurs of envy rippled through the crowd. What incredible fortune this young woman possessed!

Meanwhile at Mercy General Hospital, Nathan Sterling's polished Oxfords clicked rhythmically against the linoleum floor.

Simon intercepted him in the hallway. "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Delaney is stable now. They've moved her to a private room."

Nathan froze mid-step.

A sardonic smirk twisted his lips. "Weren't you just telling me she was at death's door? Miraculous recovery, isn't it?"

Simon shifted uncomfortably. He hadn't anticipated Isabella's elaborate charade, complete with complicit medical staff.

"Sir, perhaps you should visit her anyway?"

Nathan's expression turned glacial. "If she's fine, then she doesn't require my presence."

As he turned to leave, Simon blocked his path. "Mr. Sterling, consider the consequences if you don't. Who knows what stunt she'll pull next?"

The woman had staged multiple suicide attempts already, even getting prison guards reprimanded.

Nathan's jaw tightened. Such theatrics behind bars? What was she truly scheming?

He'd only come today out of lingering obligation to the Delaney family.

Now it seemed Isabella was determined to absolve him of that debt entirely.

"Which room?" Nathan bit out.

Simon pointed down the corridor. "Last door on the right. There are two officers stationed outside."

Nathan strode toward the guarded room.

After verifying his identity and signing the visitor log, the police permitted entry.

The sharp scent of antiseptic intensified as Nathan pushed open the door. Isabella lay motionless on the hospital bed, her vacant stare fixed on the ceiling.

She jolted upright when Nathan's shadow fell across her. "Nathan! You actually came!" Her voice cracked with emotion.

The sudden movement dislodged her IV needle. Though blood welled at the puncture site, she didn't seem to notice.

"I thought I'd never see you again," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "But here you are..."

Nathan regarded her with detached indifference, his features carved from ice.

His lips curled in a humorless smile. "With performances like these, you deserve an Oscar nomination at minimum."

Isabella shook her head violently.

"That's not true!" she protested, her gaze darting toward the watching officers.