Chapter 371

Sebastian's sudden collapse made Scarlett's heart clench.

Evelyn rushed over and knelt beside him. Her slender fingers pressed against his wrist as she checked his pulse, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Just dehydration and exhaustion," she murmured, retrieving a glucose solution from the medical kit.

Sebastian's pale lips parted. His tense expression softened the moment he recognized her.

"Don't speak." Evelyn brought the cup to his lips, handling him as delicately as fragile porcelain.

Scarlett stood nearby, her gaze darting between them. She noticed the way Sebastian looked at Evelyn—like she held his entire world in her hands.

"Who is she?" Scarlett grabbed Isabella's arm as she passed by, pointing at Evelyn.

Isabella eyed her warily. "And who are you?"

"Scarlett." She lifted her chin. "Sebastian brought me here."

The name made Isabella's face darken. She scoffed and shook off Scarlett's grip before walking away.

Only then did Evelyn notice Scarlett. Her eyes flicked to the bloodstained ankle, and her professional instincts kicked in immediately.

"We met on the road," Sebastian spoke up, his voice strained. "Her foot was injured, so I—"

"Hmm." Evelyn's single syllable made Sebastian tighten his grip on the cup. He'd never seen her react this way, and unease coiled in his chest.

"Can you walk?" Evelyn asked.

Scarlett whimpered the moment she tried to put weight on her foot. In the next second, she was swept off her feet—Evelyn had lifted her effortlessly into a bridal carry.

Inside the treatment room, Evelyn pulled on medical gloves and swiftly cut away Scarlett's shoe and sock.

"This will hurt." Her tone was calm but carried undeniable authority.

Scarlett clutched the sheets. "Can you be gentler—"

"Hold her down," Evelyn instructed Sebastian.

He stepped forward, but Scarlett protested, "Shouldn't we get an X-ray? This kind of injury—"

"Don't trust me?" Evelyn arched a brow, never pausing in her work.

Scarlett's retort died in her throat as sharp pain lanced through her. She stared, wide-eyed, at Evelyn's fluid, precise movements, too stunned to speak.

By the time the bandage was secured, Scarlett finally regained her composure. Gazing at the composed, striking woman before her, she felt the first sting of defeat.