Chapter 191

"The patient sustained a laceration on his forehead from glass shards. We've sutured and dressed the wound. There's also a mild concussion, but otherwise no serious complications."

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her tense shoulders relaxing.

Thank God Nathan was okay.

"Thank you, doctor. My son will be alright!" Eleanor clasped her hands together, relief washing over her like a tidal wave.

"The patient is conscious now. We'll be transferring him to a private room shortly."

"Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."

As the medical team departed, nurses wheeled Nathan out on a gurney. Bandages swathed his forehead, dried blood streaking his pale complexion. The usually impeccable businessman looked startlingly vulnerable.

Eleanor rushed forward, her voice trembling. "Nathan, darling, how are you feeling?"

Vanessa, who had remained silent throughout the ordeal, finally spoke up. "You gave us such a fright! Thank heavens you're alright."

Nathan's gaze drifted past them.

His voice came out hoarse but firm. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Eleanor dabbed at her eyes. "How can I not worry? This wasn't some minor incident! If anything had happened to you—"

Nathan's attention wasn't on his mother. His eyes locked onto Evelyn standing several feet away.

Their gazes connected across the sterile hospital corridor, an unspoken tension thickening the air between them.

To Nathan, Evelyn might as well have been on another continent despite standing mere yards away.

"Evelyn—" His voice cracked slightly.

Her response was barely above a whisper. "I'm glad you're okay."

Nathan opened his mouth to say more, but the nurse interrupted. "We need to get the patient settled."

As they wheeled him toward the private wing, Nathan craned his neck, his eyes never leaving Evelyn's retreating figure.

Inside the hospital suite, Nathan realized Evelyn hadn't followed. He jerked upright, ignoring the sudden dizziness.

The nurse immediately blocked him. "Mr. Sterling, you need to remain in bed!"

"I'm fine—"

Eleanor entered just as Nathan swung his legs over the bed's edge. "Nathan Blackwell Sterling! Lie down this instant!"

His jaw set stubbornly. "Where's Evelyn? Why isn't she here?"

Eleanor's face darkened. Why this sudden obsession with Evelyn? This wasn't like him at all.

"Why are you worrying about her at a time like this?"

Vanessa's lips pressed into a thin line. Her relationship with Nathan had grown increasingly strained since Evelyn entered their lives.

Yet clearly, Evelyn still occupied his thoughts.

"Where is she?"

As if summoned, Evelyn appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. Her expression remained unreadable.

"I'm right here."

The moment Nathan saw her, visible tension drained from his body.

His first question surprised everyone. "Are you hurt? Did they check you over?"

Evelyn blinked. Nathan showing concern for her wellbeing? That was about as likely as snow in July.

Still, his actions today had shocked her. She never imagined he'd risk himself for her sake.

Now she owed him—a debt she wasn't sure how to repay.

"I'm perfectly fine, Mr. Sterling. Though your Aston Martin didn't fare as well." She reached into her bag, producing a check. "Twenty million should cover a replacement."

Her tone was all business, carefully devoid of emotion.

Nathan's eyes widened fractionally, the muscle in his jaw twitching.