Chapter 402

"...Alright, I understand."

"White Coat and I will wait for you."

She hung up to find someone already standing before her.

Emily Zade remained impeccably groomed in her professional attire, though the mountain morning mist had left delicate droplets clinging to her hair.

"Mrs. Hamilton."

Evelyn corrected her: "Not anymore."

"My apologies," Emily gave a slight bow. "Dr. Carter."

Evelyn's gaze shifted to the young man in gold-rimmed glasses behind her. "Looking for Alexander?"

"Yes."

Noticing her attention, Emily explained: "This is Dr. Chen, here to treat Mr. Hamilton's injuries."

"What happened to him?"

Emily looked surprised. "You... didn't know?"

"Know what?"

"His back burns never fully healed. The rain caused severe infection. He was already feverish and unconscious on the flight back from England. After waking, he rushed to the hospital with only basic treatment. Last night I wanted to bring the doctor, but Mr. Hamilton said you were resting—"

"Emily—"

The elevator doors opened as Alexander strode out.

Clad in a hotel robe with damp hair, his brow furrowed upon seeing her. "You're leaving?"

"Going to check on the hospital."

"Wait while I change. I'll drive you."

He turned back toward the elevator.

"Alexander."

He paused. "Taxis are scarce here. Just three minutes—"

"Are your clothes even wearable?"

His frame stiffened.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Let's go upstairs."

To Emily, she said: "Come with us."

Inside the suite, Emily tactfully ushered Dr. Chen into the adjoining room.

Evelyn's eyes immediately landed on the white dress shirt draped over the sofa—

Its back bore large rust-colored stains mingled with medicinal brown.

No wonder he'd kept his suit jacket on all night.

The ashtray overflowed with cigarette butts.

"...Been busy lately," Alexander said from the shadows.

Evelyn ignored the remark. "Here or the bedroom?"

Emily interjected smoothly: "I'll take Dr. Chen for breakfast."

She exited swiftly with the physician, leaving the medical kit conspicuously placed.

Now alone.

"Take it off," Evelyn ordered.

Alexander held her gaze before slowly untying the robe.

Despite preparation, the sight stole her breath—

Angry, crisscrossed burns oozed through ravaged flesh, a grotesque tapestry against pale skin.