Chapter 392

Evelyn was about to leave when she felt a tug on her blouse.

Nathan sat propped up on the hospital bed, his movement strained. The simple act of reaching for her had cost him dearly.

A sharp pain shot through his right leg. His face drained of color as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Evelyn's breath caught. "Nathan!"

He clenched his jaw, veins protruding at his temples. The agony was written across his features.

"Get a doctor!" Evelyn turned to Harrison.

Harrison hesitated only a second before rushing out. Nathan hated seeing Evelyn so distressed.

With effort, he raised his hand to brush her cheek.

Evelyn froze but didn't pull away, afraid any movement might worsen his injury.

"It's... nothing," he managed through gritted teeth, forcing a reassuring smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Her heart clenched. She knew better than anyone how much pain he must be enduring.

Within moments, a team of specialists flooded the room.

Six white coats surrounded Nathan's bed.

Evelyn stepped back to give them space, though Nathan's gaze never left her.

She lingered by the doorway, typing rapid messages on her phone.

Ten minutes later, the examination concluded.

"Mr. Blackwood, the fracture in your right tibia requires significant recovery time. No weight-bearing activities for at least six months, or you risk permanent mobility issues."

The most severe injury from the accident, thankfully, was the broken leg.

Nathan merely grunted in acknowledgment.

The lead physician continued, "You'll need round-the-clock care during your rehabilitation. Without proper assistance—"

Nathan's dark glare silenced the doctor mid-sentence.

The medical team retreated quickly, Harrison following them out.

Now alone, Evelyn noticed the metal brace encasing Nathan's lower leg for the first time.

Her stomach twisted, though her expression remained neutral.

"I'll arrange for a private nurse."

"Why not you?" Nathan's voice was deceptively light.

Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

His smile turned wolfish. "This injury is your responsibility, Evelyn. Or have you forgotten already?"

Any gratitude she felt evaporated instantly.

Typical Nathan—give him an inch and he'd take a mile.

She rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. "Dream on."

"Care for me, and we'll call it even." His tone shifted. "Unless you'd rather explain to your father why the Blackwoods are demanding marriage to settle this debt... again."

The air between them turned to ice.

After this second life-saving intervention, William Sterling would have no grounds to refuse.

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One rescue might be repaid in other ways. But two? Society would brand the Sterlings as ungrateful.

And old Mr. Blackwood was nothing if not persistent.

Evelyn's expression cycled through several emotions before she exhaled sharply.

"Fine. Until you're healed."

The words tasted bitter, but the alternative was worse.

She couldn't bear owing Nathan any more than she already did.

His triumphant smirk made her regret the decision immediately.

"But you're staying at the hospital where—"

"Highland Estates," Nathan interrupted firmly. "We're going home."

Home. The word hung between them like an accusation.

Highland Estates—their former marital residence. The place she'd fled after their divorce, the place he'd stubbornly remained.

Evelyn's stomach dropped.

Damn her quick tongue. She'd walked right into his trap.