Chapter 426

Evelyn Sinclair felt uneasy accepting a fortune in diamonds without reason. As she settled into the backseat of the car with Nathan Blackwood, Marcus and the driver took their places in the front.

Nathan closed his eyes, his entire demeanor radiating icy tension. He remained silent, his jaw clenched. Evelyn suddenly recalled how he had specifically asked for her opinion on the restaurant's dishes, yet she had failed to give any feedback.

She cleared her throat softly. "The chef at that place is exceptional. The ingredients were top-tier. What did you think?"

Nathan's brow furrowed slightly.

His expression softened just a fraction. "Good. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Evelyn exhaled in quiet relief. She couldn't just accept such an extravagant gift and leave him in a foul mood. She caught Marcus's eye in the rearview mirror.

"Marcus, what did you think of the food?"

"Mr. Blackwood!" Theodore "Teddy" Winslow greeted them cheerfully as they arrived at Highland Estates. "Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Blackwood, you're back! I was worried dinner might disrupt your rest, so I prepared some floral tea to aid digestion."

He moved to take Evelyn's shoes while enthusiastically recommending his homemade blend. The three male doctors waiting in the living room stiffened under Nathan's cold, unreadable gaze. Evelyn offered them a reassuring smile.

"Alright. Let me change first. I'll be down shortly." She turned to the doctors, her voice gentle. "You can go ahead upstairs to set up for the examination."

"Marcus, accompany Mr. Blackwood."

Marcus nodded and stepped forward, but Nathan stopped him with a sharp look.

His eyes locked onto Evelyn. "I want you."

Evelyn barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

He never misses a chance to order me around.

Teddy hurried to her side. "Ms. Sinclair, you really should go with Mr. Blackwood. Otherwise—"

Marcus shrugged. "The food was mediocre. Pretty presentation, but not filling."

Evelyn nearly choked. Nathan shot Marcus a glare that could freeze hell over.

"Then have Teddy make you something," Nathan said coldly.

Marcus's lips thinned. "That won't be necessary."

He'd rather starve than endure Teddy's endless chatter.

Back at Highland Estates, the doctors had been waiting for some time. Teddy had kept them entertained with lively conversation and mobile games, so engrossed they hadn't noticed the car pulling up. Marcus opened the door while Evelyn wheeled Nathan inside.

The four in the living room immediately pocketed their phones and stood at attention.

"You should go with Mr. Blackwood," Teddy insisted. "Otherwise, he might be too embarrassed to discuss his condition with the doctors."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Then why isn't he embarrassed to tell me?"

She didn't bother arguing further. It wouldn't take long anyway.

She pushed Nathan into the elevator, the three doctors scrambling after them. For Nathan's convenience, they had outfitted a home consultation room with state-of-the-art medical equipment. They helped him onto the examination bed.

Nathan still couldn't move his legs. It had only been a month since the accident—full mobility would take several more months to return.

The lead doctor instructed the others to prepare the instruments while Nathan removed his shirt, revealing his sculpted torso. The doctor carefully checked his heart and lung function before cutting open his pants to examine his right leg's recovery.

During the examination, Evelyn instinctively turned away.

Nathan seized her wrist.

"Stay," he commanded, his voice low.

A beat later, Evelyn turned her back to him but didn't pull away. "Fine. Let go."

The doctors exchanged glances but stayed silent. Nathan showed no intention of releasing her, his gaze piercing the lead doctor.

"Continue."

The doctor hesitated. "We could lower the curtains..."

The room had been designed with adjustable gauze curtains to filter sunlight at different angles. They could easily block Evelyn's view of Nathan.

The doctor didn't expect Nathan to glare at him like he'd suggested treason.

Evelyn spoke quickly. "Yes, lower them now."

Marcus—