Chapter 489

Evelyn Sinclair was just settling into bed when her phone buzzed urgently. Theodore "Teddy" Winslow's name flashed on the screen, sending her heart racing. Without hesitation, she grabbed her coat and dashed out the door.

Guilt gnawed at her as she remembered Nathan Blackwood's injured leg.

What if his limp became permanent because of her? The thought of owing him for eternity made her stomach churn.

Marcus drove with such speed that the usual twenty-minute journey was halved.

The Highland Estates loomed before them in record time. Teddy greeted her at the entrance, his face pale with worry.

"Ms. Sinclair! Mr. Blackwood took a nasty fall down the staircase. He's burning up with fever now!"

Evelyn's pulse quickened at the news. "Have you called a physician?"

Teddy shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, but... there was an accident en route. The doctor will be delayed."

He wrung his hands. "Perhaps you could... assist in the meantime?"

Evelyn hurried to Nathan's chambers. The sight that greeted her stole her breath - the powerful CEO lay vulnerable, his usually tanned complexion ghostly pale. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead while Leo, his AI tiger companion, anxiously chewed on a discarded cane nearby.

"How does a simple fall cause such fever?" Evelyn frowned, turning to Teddy.

The butler fidgeted nervously. "Ms. Sinclair, you're the only one he'll listen to. Please, you must stay."

Against her better judgment, Evelyn reached out.

The moment her fingers brushed Nathan's forehead, an iron grip clamped around her wrist. Nathan's eyes flew open - dark, intense, and startlingly alert despite his apparent weakness.

"Evelyn," his voice was rough yet laced with something dangerously close to hope. "You came."

She schooled her features into neutrality. "I'm responsible for your injury. Of course I'd check on you."

Nathan's expression darkened. His jaw tightened before softening into something almost... vulnerable.

"Good. Having you here... settles me."

He closed his eyes quickly, but not before Evelyn caught a flash of something unsettling in his gaze.

Teddy hovered nearby with ice packs and towels, looking torn. "Ms. Sinclair, we must bring his fever down before—"

Before he could finish, the butler thrust the supplies into Evelyn's hands.

"Oh dear! I just remembered - I must fetch that delayed doctor!"

With that, Teddy bolted from the room with surprising speed for a man his age.

Evelyn turned to Marcus, who stood silently in the shadows.

"Miss, allow me—"

Before she could respond, Nathan's hand shot out again, gripping her wrist with surprising strength.

"No." His voice was sharp, his glare fixed on Marcus. "I don't need assistance. And I won't have anyone else touching me."

The unspoken challenge hung heavy in the air.

Marcus remained impassive, awaiting only Evelyn's command.

After a tense moment, she nodded. "Go assist Teddy. I'll manage here."

As Marcus departed, the room plunged into heavy silence. Evelyn picked up the ice pack with resigned determination.

"Let me help you," she murmured, steeling herself against the storm of emotions Nathan always stirred within her.