Chapter 3

"Can't find the spot? I'll go out—"

Nathan Evans' words died in his throat.

He noticed Dylan Lowell's uneasy expression and belatedly swallowed hard. "Nathan, Evelyn hasn't... come back yet?"

A full day had passed.

Nathan spun his phone carelessly. "Did you think the breakup was a joke?"

He strode to the sofa without another word.

Dylan scratched his head. Was this for real?

Then again, it seemed impossible.

He'd believe Nathan could end things, but Evelyn Langley?

Everyone in their circle knew she was the last person who'd ever let go.

"Lost the bet, Nate?" Julian Roscente leaned against the bar, swirling his drink. "Three hours became twenty-four."

Nathan arched a brow. "I'll pay up."

"New rules today." Julian set down his glass. "Call Evelyn. Say 'I'm sorry, baby' in your sweetest voice."

The private room erupted in laughter.

Dylan snatched Nathan's phone and dialed Evelyn's number.

"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable—"

Blocked?

Nathan's expression froze.

The laughter cut off abruptly as everyone exchanged glances.

Dylan forced a chuckle. "Must be bad reception. No way Evelyn blocked you—"

Julian's tone turned knowing. "Seems she's serious this time."

Nathan scoffed. "Since when are breakups pretend? Anyone mentions Evelyn again, don't blame me for losing my temper."

"Hope you won't regret it," Julian said quietly.

Nathan tugged at his tie, unbothered.

He never regretted anything.

At seven a.m., Sophia Laurent returned from her morning run to find their apartment filled with savory aromas.

Evelyn emerged from the kitchen carrying breakfast. Her newly styled hair—formerly long and straight—was now tied in a high ponytail. The houndstooth dress accentuated her slender legs.

"Shower and eat."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Dressed to kill. Is Nathan picking you up?"

"Can't you wish me well?"

"Him crawling back isn't 'well'?" Sophia reached for a bite, only to have her hand smacked away.

"Disgusting."

"Double standards! Nathan eats with his hands and you never complain."

"Next time, I'll hit him too."

By the time Sophia finished showering, Evelyn was already leaving with a thermal lunchbox.

"Tch. Says they broke up, yet still bringing her man lunch..."

Massachusetts General Hospital VIP Ward.

"Eleanor, feeling better today?"

Prof. Eleanor Roland set aside her research paper and adjusted her glasses. "Gregory? What brings you here?"

"Don't move." Prof. Gregory Hill steadied her. "Your incision hasn't healed."

"Just a minor procedure." Eleanor sighed. "Did this year's grad quotas come through?"

"You get three. I have four."

"Three..." she murmured.

"Only taking two again?"

"I'm too old for more."

Gregory shook his head helplessly. That third spot had always been reserved for one particular student.

"Professor Roland— Oh, Professor Hill too?" Ryan Clementson entered with a junior, placing a fruit basket on the table. "We came to visit."

During small talk, a student suddenly mentioned, "Heard there's an incoming freshman who landed a direct BS-to-PhD track."

"Double golds in Math and Computing Olympiads last year."

"That's nothing. Didn't Professor Roland have a student who entered with four international golds? Evelyn... Evelyn Langley—"

"It's getting late." Gregory abruptly stood. "You should head back to campus."

After the students left, Eleanor's hands began trembling. Tears spilled over.

"That genius... why would she waste her gift?"

Gregory murmured comforts.

"Last time we met, she said she wanted love..." Eleanor choked. "She broke my heart..."

Evelyn stood outside the door, knuckles whitening around the thermal container.

In the end, she couldn't bring herself to enter. Handing it to a nurse, she whispered, "Please give this to Professor Roland."

"Wait! Visitor log—"

Evelyn fled the ward like escaping demons, gulping fresh air in the courtyard.

"Evelyn Langley?"

An elegant voice called from behind.

Isabella Evans approached in stilettos, studying Evelyn's red-rimmed eyes.

"Why are you at the hospital instead of home?" She glanced at the inpatient building, relieved.

At least it wasn't OB-GYN.

"Isabella." Evelyn forced a smile.

"Those puffy eyes. Lover's quarrel?"

"We broke up."

Isabella's face softened with pity. She'd always liked Evelyn—just not enough for the Evans family standards.

"My brother's temperamental. Be patient with him."

"But we've already—"

"Sorry, I'm in a rush." Isabella checked her watch, striding toward the hospital.

Today's visit was strictly business. That direct PhD admission? She intended to claim it.