Chapter 118

Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Julian. Even as a veterinarian, you're still part of the medical community."

"Do you happen to know any senior colleagues, friends, or classmates who specialize in cardiac surgery?" she asked.

"Well," Julian replied, "arranging the surgery shouldn't be difficult. I know a renowned cardiac surgeon, but he's based in Nord City. Still, I can help set up a consultation."

For the sake of his sister's friend, Julian was more than willing to assist. Easing Evelyn's worries made the effort worthwhile.

"Would you? That would be amazing," Evelyn said, relief flickering in her eyes.

And while Nathaniel's refusal to marry Victoria still weighed on her mind, Evelyn couldn't help but see the surgeon Julian mentioned as a possible solution.

If they couldn't find a suitable doctor in Bem City, perhaps Nord City held the answer they needed.

That evening, Evelyn chose to stay home, planning to discuss it with Nathaniel the next day.

But in the dead of night, the shrill ring of her phone shattered the silence.

Nathaniel's voice, strained with urgency, cut through the darkness. "Grandma's been rushed to the emergency room. Where are you?"

"I'll be right there."

Without wasting a second, Evelyn hung up, changed quickly, and headed straight to the hospital.

Her hands trembled uncontrollably the entire ride. Just yesterday, Eleanor had seemed perfectly fine during Evelyn's visit—how had her condition worsened so suddenly?

As the taxi pulled up to the hospital entrance, Evelyn practically leaped out, every second feeling critical.

She spotted Nathaniel outside the emergency room, his silhouette stark against the dim lighting, his presence as heavy as the night itself.

The sorrow radiating from him was palpable. Evelyn stood beside him, the silence between them thick with unspoken dread.

The wait was agonizing.

Finally, Evelyn broke the silence. "Nathaniel, I wanted to tell you—"

"Let's finalize the divorce tomorrow," he interrupted, his voice cold and detached, slicing through her like winter air.

Gazing at the faint glow from the operating room lights, Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

After all, their marriage should have ended long ago.

From the start, it had been a mistake that needed correcting.

Noticing Evelyn's composed expression, Nathaniel sensed she had already accepted it.

Curiosity got the better of him. "What were you going to say earlier?"

Evelyn shook her head. "It doesn't matter now."

She had considered mentioning the surgeon in Nord City, but bringing it up now felt pointless.

Victoria's brother was already one of the best doctors—he was the obvious choice for the surgery.

Evelyn refused to compromise Eleanor's health.

Nathaniel pressed his lips together, tension coiling tighter inside him as he studied Evelyn's calm demeanor.

It felt like an eternity before Eleanor's condition stabilized.

The doctor emerged, his expression grave. "We caught it in time, but the surgery needs to happen soon. The sooner, the better."

Nathaniel remained silent, his face unreadable.

Evelyn forced a small smile. "Thank you. We'll schedule it as soon as possible."

As long as Eleanor could undergo the surgery without complications, everything would be fine.

Shortly after, Eleanor was moved to the ICU for observation.

Nathaniel and Evelyn stood side by side, watching over her. Eleanor's silver hair stood out starkly against the sterile white sheets.

Only when assured of Eleanor's stability did Evelyn finally exhale, exhaustion crashing over her as she sank into a nearby chair.

The adrenaline from earlier had kept her going, but now, fatigue hit her full force.

A moment later, Nathaniel handed her a warm breakfast.

Evelyn glanced outside—dawn had broken. Summer mornings arrived early, the world shifting from darkness to light in what felt like an instant.

She accepted the food quietly. "Thank you."

"Once you're done, we can go to the courthouse," Nathaniel said.

Evelyn lowered her gaze. "Alright."

She finished eating, the gnawing hunger fading as energy slowly returned.

Then, they left the hospital.

As they got into the car, Nathaniel handed her a document. "Sign this," he instructed.