Chapter 447

The locked French windows meant nothing to him.

Evelyn's gaze dropped to his hands. "Are you badly hurt?"

"Just scratches."

His palms were broad and strong, with well-defined knuckles. Even injured, he carried himself with unshaken composure.

"Thank you for today."

The suffocating terror still clung to her.

If he'd arrived a moment later...

Alexander didn't offer excuses. He sank onto the sofa. "Didn't you notice the markings by your door these past days?"

"What markings?"

"A circle with a checkmark inside."

Evelyn shook her head blankly.

"Burglars' reconnaissance symbols."

"There's nothing valuable here."

"A woman living alone is target enough." His voice darkened. "When I spotted it yesterday, I had Vincent investigate. That symbol means they'll strike within three days. So I kept watch tonight."

"..."

"Most single women pretend to sleep during break-ins. Burglars consider that the safest scenario."

Evelyn bit her lip in frustration. She'd been too busy to notice such obvious warnings.

"Though this thief was clearly amateur. Professionals leave doors ajar for escape. This idiot deadbolted everything. I had to break the window."

"Get checked at the hospital when the ambulance comes. He's badly hurt—you must have injuries too."

"Unnecessary."

The ambulance's sirens remained absent.

Tension thickened the air again.

Evelyn recalled their last encounter at the bistro. "Lydia must have moved in nearby too?"

Alexander's head snapped toward her. "What are you implying?"

"Lydia grew up sheltered. She'd be terrified. With all that commotion, she must be worried sick about you."

His laugh was icy. "Trying to shoo me away again?"

"How considerate of you." His molars ground audibly, nearly reopening his wounds. "Never mind what I might feel."

"Who'd dare cross CEO Hamilton?" Evelyn's tone stayed calm, but her resolute eyes delivered the dismissal clearly. "I'll wait for the ambulance alone. The thief's ribs are broken—he's no threat now."

Alexander's blood turned to ice. "You're that eager to send me back to her?"

"Didn't you say Lydia was serious? Even set a wedding date?"

"When did I—" He choked back the rest.

He hadn't denied it. Had even mentioned wedding plans himself. This torment was self-inflicted.

"I owe you for today. Save me an invitation—though my red envelope won't match your elite friends'."

A vein throbbed at his temple. He surged to his feet. "Fine. Perfect!"

He stormed out, stepping over the unconscious thief without hesitation. The door slammed with enough force to rattle the building.

......

Alone, Evelyn kept a white-knuckled grip on the lamp stand, ready to strike if needed.

The thief stayed unconscious.

Near dawn, ambulance sirens finally pierced the night.

Evelyn let the paramedics in. "Multiple rib fractures, possible concussion. Needs a CT scan."

Noticing her injuries, the doctor insisted, "You require hospital examination too. Crucial for police reports."

Wrapped in Alexander's abandoned jacket, she boarded the ambulance.

The ER overflowed with patients. After the thief was wheeled away for scans, Evelyn told a nurse, "I'm a physician. I can handle my own treatment."

Recognizing her competence, the nurse left.

Seated in the corridor while calling the police, Evelyn suddenly heard a gasp. "Dr. Carter?!"

Olivia rushed over, horrified by her battered state. "What happened? Who did this?"

"It's a long story..."

Officers arrived promptly. "Ms. Carter, please accompany us for statements after your examination."

Olivia Lightfoot grabbed Evelyn Carter's wrist, her voice trembling. "Dr. Carter, are you okay?"

Evelyn shook her head, her face pale as paper. "I'm fine."

"Miss, we need to take Dr. Carter back to the station for questioning," the officer said, showing his badge.

Olivia stepped in front of Evelyn. "She's the victim!"

"It's just standard procedure," the officer explained. "She can return after giving her statement."

Evelyn gently patted Olivia's hand. "Don't worry."

Olivia eyed Evelyn's thin nightgown and stomped her foot in frustration. "Wait here—I'll get you a coat!"

In the duty room, Olivia rummaged through drawers and pulled out her own down jacket. She lowered her voice. "Should I exaggerate your injuries in the report? I know someone in forensics."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "Go back to your shift."

......

The interrogation room was harshly lit.

Evelyn sat on the stiff chair, recounting the events in detail. When she described being pinned to the couch by the intruder, her voice began to shake.

"I fought back—grabbed whatever I could and hit him over the head..."

A female officer handed her a cup of water. "Take a sip. Go slow."

Evelyn clutched the paper cup, her knuckles white.

The recording officer set down his pen. "The suspect has a record, but only petty theft. This time, breaking and entering with intent to assault—much more serious."

"How... how long will he get?" Evelyn asked softly.

"At least three years," the female officer reassured her. "Make sure you change your locks."

Suddenly, the officer shifted gears. "But the hospital report shows the suspect sustained severe injuries. Skull fracture, three broken ribs..."

Evelyn's lashes fluttered.

"Are you sure you did this alone?" The officer's gaze sharpened.

The air in the room grew heavy.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "I was terrified..."

"Miss Carter," the officer tapped the table, "we checked the building's security footage."

Evelyn's head snapped up.

"It shows a man climbing out from your balcony," the officer said, watching her closely. "Who was he?"

Evelyn twisted the hem of her shirt. "He's... a friend."

"We need him to come in for questioning."

"No!" The word burst out before she could stop it. "His identity is... complicated."

The officer frowned. "No one is above the law."

Just then, the door swung open.

"Evelyn!"

Gregory Wilson stood in the doorway, breathless, his suit jacket missing. The moment his eyes landed on her, raw concern flashed across his face.

"Dr. Wilson?" Evelyn stared. "How did you—"

"Vivian called me," Gregory strode to her side, scanning her for injuries. "Where are you hurt?"

The officers exchanged glances. "And you are?"

Before Evelyn could speak, Gregory turned to them. "I'm Dr. Gregory Wilson, Chief of Surgery at Central Hospital. If you have questions, ask me directly."

One officer eyed him. "Dr. Wilson, what's your relationship with Miss Carter?"

Gregory didn't blink. "I'm her—"

"Friend!" Evelyn cut in urgently. "We're just colleagues."

Gregory's throat worked, but he stayed silent.

The officer flipped open his notepad. "Dr. Wilson, where were you between 9 and 11 PM last night?"

Tension crackled in the air.

Evelyn intended to decline Gregory's offer, but standing at the police station entrance, she sighed softly. "I'm really fine. Tell Vivian not to come."

Gregory immediately pulled out his phone. "Alright, I'll let her know."

The female officer gave them a knowing look. After Gregory hung up, she smiled. "Miss Carter, is this the friend you mentioned earlier?"

Evelyn hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly.

Gregory stepped forward smoothly. "I'm her friend. What paperwork needs to be done? I'll handle it."

The officer chuckled. "Miss Carter, your friend seems very protective of you."

Evelyn's lips twitched, but she remained silent.

The officer, now convinced he was the one who'd sent the assailant to the hospital, eyed his refined appearance and warned sternly, "Sir, I understand your emotions, but self-defense has limits. The hospital just reported four broken ribs and nearly all his teeth knocked out."

A flicker of understanding passed through Gregory's eyes.

Alexander was in the next room.

Who had delivered such brutal punishment was obvious.

"Is the man in critical condition?"

"Don't worry, he'll live." The officer mistook his question for feigned ignorance and added, "Next time, control your temper. Excessive force can lead to criminal charges. If someone dies, no amount of money will fix it."

Gregory nodded. "Understood."

Evelyn sighed inwardly, deciding to explain later.

Seeing the matter settled, the officer said, "Sign here, and you're free to go. We'll contact you if there are updates."

As they left the station, Gregory stayed close to Evelyn's side.

"Vivian said if she doesn't see you home safely, she'll release ten thousand cockroaches in my apartment."

The threat was pure Vivian.

The morning wind bit sharply. Evelyn, wrapped only in Alexander's jacket, looked disheveled and reluctantly agreed.

Gregory exhaled in relief, not only opening the car door for her but waiting until she was settled before starting the engine.

Just as they drove off, a gold Panamera glided to a stop near the station.

Lydia rolled down the window. "Alexander, Evelyn left with her boyfriend."

The car fell deathly silent.

"Should we—" Lydia turned and froze at Alexander's chilling glare.

His knuckles whitened, but his voice remained eerily calm. "It's fine."

He jerked the steering wheel and sped away.

Back at the apartment, the forensic team had already left, leaving only the property manager apologizing. "Miss Carter, we're so sorry. Please contact us if you need anything."

Exhausted, Evelyn shook her head. "Thank you. I'll reach out if necessary."

Gregory interjected smoothly. "She needs rest."

The staff took the hint, leaving a card before departing.

"Careful."

Gregory guided Evelyn inside, spotting the shattered glass. He moved ahead to clear it. "Go rest. I'll take care of this."

"Leave it. I'll clean up later."

His gaze lingered on the jacket she wore. "This coat... does it need to be returned?"

Evelyn stayed silent.

It was Alexander's jacket. Given his fastidiousness, he'd likely discard it even if washed.

When she didn't answer, Gregory changed the subject. "The glass is dangerous. It won't take long."

As he turned to fetch the broom, Evelyn entered the bedroom, her back to the door as she removed the jacket.

Gregory glanced up and caught sight of the bruises peeking through her torn nightgown. He quickly averted his eyes.

Only then did Evelyn notice the dark purple marks across her chest. She shut the door to change.

When she reappeared, she wore a high-neck sweater and long pants, concealing every injury.

Gregory finally met her gaze. "The glass is all wrapped up. You can toss it directly."

Evelyn surveyed the tidy living room. "Thank you. I'll handle the rest."

Gregory smiled faintly and set the broom down.

White Coat cowered in the far corner of its crate, trembling violently.

Evelyn's heart ached as she lifted the shivering dog.

Gregory approached. "What's wrong with White Coat?"

"Last night, it tried to protect me and got thrown by the intruder." She stroked the patch of missing fur, then paled. "His leg—"