Chapter 285

Evelyn Carter lifted her gaze, studying Nathaniel Whitmore intently. His handsome features reflected in her luminous hazel eyes.

They stood in the hospital corridor where golden sunlight streamed through the windows, carrying the scent of summer blossoms.

Nathaniel saw his own reflection in her eyes, his pulse quickening inexplicably.

"Evelyn Carter, you've grown bolder since we last met. Do I look like a man who has feelings for you?" His denial came too quickly.

Despite his stern expression, his eyes betrayed hesitation. He adjusted his tie nervously, a telltale sign of his inner turmoil.

"Fine. Then why do you care so much about my relationships if you don't even like me? Why warn me about those men? Isn't that crossing boundaries for an ex-husband?"

"Because your judgment in men is atrocious."

She nodded slowly. "You're right. Had I better judgment, I wouldn't have chosen you in the first place."

Nathaniel's jaw clenched visibly. "Mark my words, Evelyn Carter. You'll regret this."

With that, he stormed off.

A bitter taste filled Evelyn's mouth as she watched him leave. Her hand instinctively cradled her stomach. She knew she'd never regret her choice.

After composing herself, she entered the hospital room with a fruit basket. "Grandmother."

"Evelyn, did you see Nathaniel? He came by earlier."

She hesitated. "No."

The immediate lie sent a pang of guilt through her.

Eleanor Whitmore grasped Evelyn's hand. "You must have missed him. He went downstairs for my surgery consultation. He should return soon."

Evelyn's expression faltered. Nathaniel attended the consultation?

This was disastrous! Julian Montgomery was downstairs too!

Only then did she realize Nathaniel had gone the same direction as Julian. Why hadn't she noticed sooner?

What now? Would they come to blows if Julian saw Nathaniel?

Anxiety twisted Evelyn's stomach. "Grandmother, I should attend that meeting too."

She needed to monitor the situation. If violence erupted, she could intervene.

Eleanor frowned. "Whatever for? Nathaniel's presence suffices. Those medical discussions are dreadfully dull. Keep me company instead."

Evelyn forced a smile. She didn't care about the meeting - she needed to prevent a confrontation.

"Grandmother, you don't understand my predicament," she thought desperately.

What excuse could she use to attend?

Downstairs, nearly every specialist gathered in the conference room to finalize surgical details.

As lead surgeon, Julian Montgomery occupied the central position, meticulously outlining critical procedure points.

Nathaniel sat in the front row, visibly irritated by Julian's presence but restraining himself - Julian was Eleanor's surgeon after all.

Julian noticed Nathaniel immediately. Ice flashed in his steel-gray eyes at the sight of his rival.

This bastard secretly married Evelyn? Impregnated her? The thought of her nearly becoming a widow made Julian's blood boil.

Neither man wanted this encounter.

Miraculously, the meeting concluded without incident.

The medical team praised Julian's expertise. "Dr. Montgomery, your insights were invaluable. We'll ensure everything proceeds flawlessly."