Chapter 223

Dominic's expression darkened as he spoke in a low voice. "Evelyn, you gave us all such a fright. Grandfather hasn't slept in seventy-two hours."

Evelyn turned her gaze toward Leonard with remorse. "Grandfather, please forgive me."

Leonard squeezed her hand gently. "Don't apologize, child. You've endured a terrible ordeal. Your body suffered severe trauma." His voice softened. "If not for that brave Whitmore boy charging into the flames..."

At the mention of Harrison, Evelyn's eyes darted around the room. Her pulse quickened when she didn't see him. "Where is he? Where's Harrison?"

Behind her, Dominic exchanged a loaded glance with Julian.

After a weighted pause, Dominic answered carefully. "He's recovering. Second-degree burns on his left arm and back. Beatrice is with him in the adjacent suite."

The words hit Evelyn like a physical blow. She threw off the blankets. "He's injured because of me?"

Julian's throat tightened with guilt. He'd prioritized protecting Sophia while flames engulfed the building. That single decision had earned him Leonard and his brothers' scathing disapproval.

This time, Harrison had been Evelyn's savior. The Kingsleys owed him everything.

"Relax," Dominic soothed. "He's being treated by the best burn specialists in Europe. The question is - how are you feeling?"

"Fine," Evelyn said automatically, already swinging her legs over the bed's edge.

Leonard blocked her path. "And where do you imagine you're going, young lady?"

"I need to see Harrison. I won't rest until I know he's alright."

Leonard sighed. "Stubborn as always. At least let the nurse bring a wheelchair."

"That's unnecessary. I can walk."

But Leonard's resolve proved stronger. Minutes later, Evelyn found herself being wheeled down the corridor by Dominic.

Inside the neighboring suite, Beatrice stood vigil beside the bed where Harrison lay prone, his bandaged back facing upward.

"Harrison."

He stirred at the sound of Evelyn's voice, muscles tensing to rise. Beatrice pressed a firm hand to his shoulder. "Don't you dare move those dressings."

Evelyn rushed to add, "Please stay still."

Harrison reluctantly settled back down.

Beatrice turned concerned eyes toward Evelyn. "How are you feeling, dear? Any dizziness? Nausea?"

"I'm perfectly fine," Evelyn assured her. "How serious are his injuries?"

"Count your blessings you're both alive," Beatrice said briskly, though her eyes betrayed deeper emotion. "Harrison's tough as nails. These wounds will heal."

Despite Beatrice's matter-of-fact tone, guilt twisted Evelyn's stomach. "Does it hurt terribly?" she asked softly.

Harrison shook his head against the pillow. "Worth it."

Recognizing the couple needed privacy, Dominic and Beatrice discreetly exited.

Once the door clicked shut, Beatrice's composed facade cracked. "Have they identified the fire's origin?"

Dominic's jaw hardened. "It wasn't an accident. The arsonist is already in custody."

Beatrice's lips thinned. "The audacity. They nearly killed Evelyn in broad daylight."

"She'll face consequences," Dominic promised darkly. "My family doesn't forgive attempts on our blood."

"See that they don't," Beatrice said icily. "Because if your justice proves inadequate, the Whitmores have our own methods."