Chapter 34

"Mrs. Watson!"

Nathan Evans hunched over, his forehead damp with cold sweat. His fingers dug into his stomach, knuckles turning white from the pressure.

The villa stood silent, his voice echoing through empty halls.

At five in the morning, sharp pain jolted him awake. His stomach twisted like a knife was carving through it, drenching his pajamas in sweat instantly.

He staggered out of bed, swaying toward the medicine cabinet.

The pillbox was empty.

"Damn it." He clenched his teeth, fumbling for his phone with trembling fingers.

"Bring stomach medicine. Now."

When his assistant arrived, he found Nathan curled on the couch. The usually immaculate dress shirt clung wrinkled to his body, the tie hanging loose around his neck.

"Sir, your medicine."

Nathan snatched the pills, swallowing them dry without water.

"Should I take you to the hospital?"

"Get out." He waved a dismissive hand without opening his eyes.

The moment the door closed, his phone buzzed violently.

"What garbage did you buy?!" Nathan's voice turned icy. "Can't you even read instructions?"

He froze, staring at the unfamiliar brand on the box.

He never had to worry about this before.

Evelyn Langley always stocked his medicine before his flare-ups. Those little white pills had always eased his pain instantly.

His fingers dialed the memorized number automatically.

"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

The robotic voice made him hurl his phone across the room.

"Young master?" Mrs. Watson stood at the doorway with a grocery basket, startled by the scene.

"Give me your phone." Nathan stretched out a hand.

His fingers shook slightly as he punched in the familiar digits.

"Hello?"

That voice sent another stab of pain through his gut.

"My stomach hurts." The hoarse words drained his last ounce of strength.