Chapter 361

Annabelle cradled a bouquet of pink roses, her smile sweet. "I told you yesterday—Nina's due date is here. I came to support her. I ran into Richard downstairs, and he mentioned you were here for a dressing change."

Alexander's brow furrowed. "Your friend is in the UK?"

"Yes, in the OB-GYN ward."

"Then why are you still lingering here?"

"No rush." Her gaze dropped to his bandaged arm, concern flashing in her eyes. "Why did your injury suddenly worsen? It was almost healed back home. Did you get it wet? The doctor said—"

"Enough." His voice was ice. "My affairs are none of your concern."

Annabelle nodded obediently, then turned to Evelyn. "Dr. Carter, you're here too."

Evelyn remained silent.

Unfazed, Annabelle smiled. "I'll leave you two to talk. I should check on Nina."

The moment she was out of earshot, Alexander rushed to explain. "I had no idea she'd come to the UK."

"Hmm."

"Her friend's in OB-GYN. Have you seen them today?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No."

Alexander exhaled in relief, muttering under his breath, "She wouldn't dare cause trouble now."

Evelyn's lips twitched. "True. She's changed."

She stood to leave.

Alexander caught her wrist. "Where are you going?"

"To make a call."

"To whom?"

"None of your business."

"I'm not trying to control you," he said, frustration seeping into his tone. "I just don't want you disappearing again."

"Vivian."

"...Fine. I'll be quick. Wait for me."

Evelyn pushed through the door without looking back.

Outside, Annabelle was pressed against the door, eavesdropping. The sudden movement made her jump, a squeak escaping before she clapped a hand over her mouth.

Their eyes locked.

Evelyn smirked coldly and strode toward the stairwell, dialing.

"Hello?" Vivian's voice came through.

"It's me."

"Evelyn?! Did you get a new number?"

"Temporary." Evelyn cleared her hoarse throat. "Better than before—at least I can speak now."

Vivian's voice softened. "Get some fritillary bulb and pear soup. It'll help your throat."

"Got it." Evelyn cut to the chase. "About Simon Stapleton..."

After hearing the full story, the line went silent for a long moment.

Finally, Vivian managed two words: "Holy hell."

"So Alexander likely didn't touch him. Tell your dad not to worry."

"...Evelyn, do you think Simon's even alive?"

Evelyn paused. "Alexander said he let him go. Unless the Hardy family retaliated?"

"I mean... two hundred women. Could he have... you know... died from exhaustion?"

Evelyn choked on air.

"You're a doctor. Give me a professional opinion."

"I'm an OB-GYN!"

"Take an educated guess."

"How would I—"

Vivian let out an impressed whistle. "Alexander's move was brutal. Destroying a man's pride is worse than killing him."