Chapter 35

Evelyn's fingers turned white as she gripped her phone.

The image of Nathan and Chloe holding hands was burned into her mind.

"If you're sick, go to the hospital."

Her voice remained eerily calm.

Heavy breathing came through the receiver.

The call ended with a sharp click as she tossed her phone onto the couch.

The coffee on the table had gone cold.

Nathan stared at the darkened screen, his knuckles turning white.

Crash!

His phone shattered against the wall.

Mrs. Watson's hands trembled as she carried the medicine tray.

"Young master..."

Nathan clutched his stomach, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Get out."

He staggered upstairs and slammed the bedroom door.

Mrs. Watson sighed at the broken phone remains.

Such a wonderful girl, Miss Evelyn...

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Mrs. Watson knocked softly after finishing her chores.

"Young master? Time for your medicine..."

Silence.

Shaking her head, she left the villa with the trash bags.

Isabella's heels clicked across the living room floor at dusk.

"Bro? Mom wants—"

Her voice cut off.

An unanswered call glowed on the coffee table.

The second floor lay in ominous silence.

"Bro!"

She raced upstairs, pounding on the door.

"Mrs. Watson! Is something wrong with Nathan?"

The housekeeper's panicked voice came through. "He hasn't come out..."

The spare key turned with a grating sound.

Isabella's scream pierced the quiet.

"Call an ambulance! Now!"

Harsh fluorescent lights illuminated the hospital corridor.

Nathan's throat burned when he awoke.

"Water..."

Dylan quickly handed him a glass.

The room overflowed with visitors.

Ethan frowned. "Gastric hemorrhage and you tried to tough it out?"

Julian peeled an apple. "If Isabella hadn't found you..."

Isabella wiped red-rimmed eyes. "You scared me to death."

Nathan's gaze swept across each face.

Absent.

The one presence he sought.

He closed his eyes, mouth twisting bitterly.

She'd truly... abandoned him.