Chapter 370

Nathaniel's icy response left the woman flustered. "My father ordered me to approach you, Mr. Whitmore. He even provided the hotel key card, expecting me to seduce you. But I can't go through with it - I'd prefer to discuss this matter civilly."

"You're in no position to negotiate," he stated flatly.

His gaze remained fixed on his phone screen displaying the ended call. A muscle twitched in his jaw as irritation simmered beneath his composed exterior.

The mere suggestion of Evelyn being some kept woman infuriated him beyond measure. He mentally catalogued every male associate in her life who'd need... handling.

Meanwhile, Evelyn reentered the hospital room, the unsettling phone conversation still weighing on her.

Jonathan typed slowly on his phone: "Who was that?"

Her fingers hovered over the screen before responding. "My ex-husband."

The revelation struck him like a physical blow, resurrecting memories of his attackers' ominous warnings. Cold sweat beaded along his hairline.

Yet he forced himself to rationalize - surely that violent incident couldn't be connected to Evelyn's former spouse. The timing had to be coincidental.

Sensing the tension, Jonathan wisely refrained from further questions.

Evelyn exhaled quietly in relief. Detailed explanations would have required revealing truths she wasn't prepared to share.

The door swung open as Judith bustled in bearing an overflowing lunch bag. "Jonathan darling, you must be starving! I made all your favorites - including that chicken soup you adore."

The rich aroma made Evelyn's stomach growl audibly. Within moments, the bedside table transformed into a banquet spread - steaming soup, glazed meats, vibrant vegetables. A veritable feast.

"Eat up, son. You too, mother," Jonathan urged graciously before adding, "Evelyn, please join us. You've been tending to him all afternoon."

Pregnancy hunger gnawed at Evelyn with animal intensity. As she reached for a bowl, Judith interjected sharply, "We should pace ourselves, dear. Jonathan needs extra nourishment for his recovery. These are all his special dishes."

Evelyn's hand froze midair, instantly recognizing the passive-aggressive message - she wasn't welcome to partake.

Selecting minimal portions, she forced a smile at Jonathan. "Your mother's right. The patient deserves priority."

With a grateful nod, Jonathan began eating methodically while Evelyn's stomach protested loudly. Desperate, she reached for the soup ladle only to have Judith intercept again.

"That's medicinal broth specifically for Jonathan's injuries," Judith chided. "We healthy folk should show restraint."

A wave of dizziness washed over Evelyn as her blood sugar plummeted. Fighting nausea, she reached for the honey-glazed pork when Judith blocked her again.

"Evelyn dear," came the saccharine tone, "these organic vegetables came straight from the farmers market. So much healthier for women watching their figures."

Evelyn's polite facade finally cracked.

She managed two helpings of rice and vegetables - barely enough to stabilize her shaking hands. Judith's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the empty vegetable dish.

"My word, what an appetite! Most women your age eat like birds," Judith remarked pointedly.

Evelyn stood abruptly. "Mrs. Reeves, would you like me to order you something more substantial?"

Judith's smile didn't reach her eyes. "How thoughtful. I'd adore some lemon-pepper chicken from that bistro down the street."