Chapter 378

"Don't worry, Mr. Whitmore. We'll investigate this thoroughly. Their medical expenses remain unsettled," Simon assured in a professional tone.

"Lower your voice. I can hear you perfectly fine," Nathaniel scolded quietly.

But it was too late. Evelyn had already regained consciousness.

Pain radiated through every inch of her body. As her eyelids fluttered open, her trembling hands immediately went to her abdomen, terrified for her unborn children.

Their safety remained uncertain, sending waves of panic through her. When she lifted her gaze, Nathaniel stood before her.

Her pulse quickened. "What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be overseas? Am I hallucinating?"

His lips curled into a mocking smile. "Feeling guilty about something, Evelyn?"

She pressed her lips together, refusing to respond.

Robert, sensing the mounting tension, discreetly gestured for Simon and the medical staff to exit.

The room emptied, leaving the estranged couple in suffocating silence.

A weakened Evelyn propped herself against the headboard, noticing the bandages covering her knees and the antiseptic smell from her treated elbow.

Though questions burned in her mind, she dared not inquire about her babies' condition under Nathaniel's piercing stare.

"Lost your tongue, Evelyn Carter? Weren't you boasting about being some independent woman? Collecting admirers like trading cards? Enjoying your little rebellion now that your backup plan turned against you?"

His cruel words stung. "This was an accident! How was I supposed to predict that deranged woman would attack me?" she fired back.

"Problems with your master plan? I thought you had that scheming bastard wrapped around your finger. Couldn't handle your future mother-in-law's temper?" he taunted.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Who told you I came here for him? I only—"

"Then enlighten me. Were you touring hospitals for fun? Checking what mental disorder you qualify for?" he interrupted.

Frustration boiled over. "You're the one who needs psychiatric evaluation! Jonathan got hospitalized! If I hadn't intervened, he would've filed charges!"

Nathaniel's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"

"Someone assaulted him and fractured his leg. That's why he's here. I came to settle matters before he involved the authorities. Why else would I be in this godforsaken place?" she snapped in one breath.

His expression became unreadable, the intensity of his gaze making her skin prickle. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Nathaniel hadn't anticipated Evelyn confronting Jonathan about the incident, hence his surprise. "Even if he reported it, the perpetrator would never be identified."

The professionals he'd hired were experts—they'd broken just enough bones to cause pain without permanent damage. A coward like Jonathan would never trace it back to him.

Evelyn scoffed. "With today's forensic technology? Please. Criminals always leave traces. When they're caught, assault charges carry severe penalties."

The corner of Nathaniel's mouth twitched. "Indeed. The consequences would be... severe."

"Then why spout such nonsense?" Her irritation grew.

His mood inexplicably lightened. "Save your efforts. Jonathan has no evidence."

Her laugh held no humor. "How very confident. One might think you're the culprit yourself."