Chapter 346

The sharp scent of antiseptic assaulted Evelyn's senses as she regained consciousness.

White ceiling tiles came into focus above her.

She was in a hospital room.

A shuddering breath escaped her lips. Fragments of her nightmare still clung to her - the terrifying sensation of free-falling, the bungee cord snapping taut, then plunging downward again in endless cycles.

Her body still trembled with phantom adrenaline when a warm cloth gently dabbed her forehead.

Evelyn turned her head.

The sight of Nathan Blackwood sitting beside her bed made her expression darken immediately.

"Why are you still here?" Her voice came out hoarse.

Nathan's shoulders slumped. "I... I couldn't leave." His usually deep voice sounded raw with guilt. "This is all my fault."

Even unconscious, Evelyn had been restless - sweating, twitching, murmuring pleas of "Don't push me" in her feverish state.

The memory made Nathan's gut twist. He'd never imagined his impulsive stunt would terrify her so profoundly. If he could turn back time...

He'd jump off that platform a hundred times alone rather than drag her into his reckless moment.

Evelyn turned her face away, rejecting his ministrations. She opened her mouth to demand he leave when Gabrielle and her driver arrived.

"Ms. Sinclair! You're awake!" Gabrielle carried a thermos, swiftly pouring steaming liquid into a cup. "Nerve-calming herbal tea. Doctor's orders."

Evelyn accepted the cup, inhaling the soothing aroma.

Her stomach growled audibly.

She took several careful sips before setting it down. Nathan immediately reached for the cup, but Gabrielle intercepted smoothly.

"Mr. Blackwood, please allow me." The assistant couldn't fathom her boss's ex-husband doing menial tasks.

Evelyn shot Nathan a withering look. "Don't you have companies to run? A city to conquer? Why linger here?"

Nathan's jaw tightened.

"I won't disturb you."

"You're disturbing me by existing in this room," Evelyn retorted without mercy.

After a heavy silence, Nathan stood and left. Gabrielle sighed at Evelyn's stormy expression. "Ms. Sinclair, perhaps go easier on him?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

"Mr. Blackwood carried you down the entire mountainside to get help," Gabrielle explained. "The ambulance had equipment failure and a flat tire. He ran nearly two miles with you in his arms."

Evelyn's fingers stilled on the bedsheet.

"And when you were unconscious..." Gabrielle hesitated. "You clung to him desperately. Wouldn't let go of his sleeve. Every time he tried to move away, you'd become agitated. He stayed all night."

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks.

Damn her subconscious betraying her like this!

"The recording?" Evelyn changed subjects abruptly. "The show?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Wrapped successfully. Everyone's returned to the city. We can leave whenever you're discharged."

Good. At least she hadn't humiliated herself on camera.

Noticing Evelyn's pallor, Gabrielle urged her to rest. Though eager to leave, exhaustion pulled Evelyn under before she could protest.

When she awoke again, moonlight painted silver stripes across the hospital floor.

Gabrielle had dimmed the lights and closed the door, but left the curtains open. The world outside glowed with streetlamps.

The ward's excellent soundproofing created an eerie stillness - so quiet Evelyn could hear the faint hum of medical equipment.

She savored the peaceful isolation.

Sliding from bed, Evelyn padded toward the door, only to freeze at the voices outside.

"Mr. Blackwood, you haven't eaten all day." Gabrielle's concerned tone. "At least go inside to rest properly."

"No need." Nathan's distinctive baritone held its usual icy distance when addressing anyone but Evelyn.

Her hand hovered over the door handle.

After a heartbeat's hesitation, Evelyn turned the knob and stepped into the hallway.