Chapter 158

Evelyn Sinclair frowned. Why was Nathan Blackwood reacting so intensely? What did her injury have to do with him?

"Mr. Blackwood, let me." In the tense silence, Donovan Sterling stepped forward, gently removing Evelyn's arm from Nathan's grip. He rubbed the reddened skin where Nathan had held her too tightly.

Donovan had no patience for Nathan. Wasn't he Evelyn's ex-husband? Their marriage was over—this was none of his business. Guiding Evelyn to the lounge, he retrieved the first aid kit and carefully dressed her wound.

"How did this happen?"

Evelyn was still buzzing from the breakthrough with their AI medical device. The minor injury barely registered.

"It's nothing. Just a run-in with a thug. I handled him."

She grinned. "This scratch is nothing compared to what he got."

Donovan smirked. He knew Evelyn could fight. Anyone stupid enough to challenge her would regret it. His fingers worked deftly over the wound, applying antiseptic with practiced ease.

"You're too easily impressed. This prototype is child's play."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Of course a genius like Donovan would downplay their success. But to her, this was monumental.

"Next step—market launch! The world needs to see what we've achieved."

Donovan shook his head. "It's not ready."

"What do you mean? The chip diagnosed my injury perfectly—even recommended treatment!"

"It's limited," he countered. "The parameters we've set only cover basic conditions. Complex diseases? Specialized treatments? That requires human expertise."

Evelyn huffed. "Fine, maybe it won't replace doctors, but think of the time saved on routine cases! The ER backlog it could clear!"

Donovan sighed. "Global commercialization means navigating different countries' drug regulations. One recommended medication might be banned elsewhere."

Evelyn hadn't considered that. The road ahead was longer than she'd realized.

Still, today's success was historic.

Donovan flicked her forehead lightly. "Relax. This alone will double your net worth."

Her eyes sparkled. Even without mass production, the stock market would skyrocket at this news. Fortunes awaited.

Leaving the lounge, Evelyn spotted Nathan deep in conversation with Dominic Kingsley. She paused, catching her name.

"Mr. Blackwood, why the panic over Evelyn's injury?" Dominic's voice carried. "Still have feelings for your ex-wife?"

Nathan stood rigid, staring at the city lights beyond the window. His reply was ice-cold.

"No. I owe her. Making amends eases my conscience."

He hesitated, then added, "Feelings? Don't be absurd."

The words struck Evelyn like physical blows. That familiar ache returned—the suffocating weight of their failed marriage. She closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself.

When she opened them, her resolve was steel.

Leaving Nathan had been her best decision.

Donovan emerged, now changed. "Let's go."

At the sound, Nathan tensed. Turning slowly, his gaze locked onto Evelyn. A flicker of panic crossed his face.

Had she heard?

The thought unsettled him more than he cared to admit.