Chapter 445

The rain had finally stopped after pouring all night, leaving the air thick with moisture and an unexpected chill.

Perhaps it was the sudden weather shift that caused Nathan Blackwood to collapse with a raging fever. Teddy Winslow noticed first, immediately summoning the family physician.

By dawn, the fever broke but left Nathan weak and bedridden. His usually sharp features appeared drawn, his complexion alarmingly pale against the silk sheets.

William Sterling visited multiple times throughout the morning, concern etching deep lines across his forehead. When Nathan managed to speak, his voice emerged as a rough whisper.

"Mr. Sterling, if you're bored, I can arrange a driver to show you around the city. A little rain never hurt anyone," William said, patting Nathan's shoulder through the blankets.

Nathan's dry chuckle turned into a cough. "Seeing you hovering like this might give me another fever." His eyes darted around the room before settling on William with visible disappointment. "Where's Evelyn?"

William cleared his throat. "She mentioned wanting to visit the university before her class reunion. Should be leaving soon."

Nathan's fingers twitched against the sheets. "Send someone with her."

"Marcus is going."

"Take Teddy too," Nathan insisted between coughs.

Teddy's eyes widened in understanding. "Absolutely! Marcus and I make the perfect security team. No danger would dare approach Ms. Sterling with us around!"

William hesitated, not quite seeing the value in sending the portly butler along. Then he remembered the recent assassination attempt and nodded. "Very well."

Teddy practically bounced with enthusiasm. "You have my word - not a single suspicious character will get within ten feet of her!" He scurried from the room before anyone could reconsider.

Evelyn emerged from her suite to find Teddy standing proudly beside Marcus, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. She arched an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be tending to Nathan?"

Teddy stepped forward with a theatrical bow. "Mr. Blackwood insisted I accompany you as additional protection. A radiant jewel like yourself must be safeguarded at all times!"

Evelyn fought the urge to roll her eyes. "You? As protection?"

Teddy puffed out his chest. "Don't let my physique fool you! I may not have combat skills, but I'm practically bulletproof! My mere presence terrifies evildoers."

Evelyn massaged her temples but waved him along. "Fine. Just don't get in the way."

Teddy immediately snatched her handbag. "A queen shouldn't carry her own belongings! These delicate arms were made for finer things." He shot Marcus a triumphant look. "Mind the step, Your Highness!"

Marcus exhaled sharply through his nose as they descended to the waiting car. Raindrops speckled the windows as they drove through Paris' winding streets, Marcus rigid in the front seat while Evelyn scrolled through reunion updates in the back.

Most classmates had scattered across the globe, but a handful remained in France. The car slowed before the university's grand gates, and Evelyn's breath caught at the familiar sight.

Centuries-old spires rose against the gray sky, their Gothic arches whispering of knowledge and tradition. Though she'd earned her doctorate elsewhere, this campus held special meaning - the place where she'd first expanded Sterling Corporation into Europe while completing her studies.

Marcus maintained a respectful distance as they walked, allowing Evelyn space to reminisce. Teddy, however, stuck to her side like an overeager shadow.

"Magnificent!" he exclaimed at a marble fountain, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. "Simply breathtaking architecture!" His voice echoed across the quiet quad.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, already regretting this arrangement. Some homecoming this was turning out to be.