Chapter 462

Evelyn had just set down her chopsticks when urgent knocking erupted from next door.

"Evelyn! Are you there?" Lydia's voice trembled with panic.

Gregory rose first to answer.

Lydia stood pale-faced, eyes red-rimmed. "Dr. Wilson, Alexander collapsed suddenly!"

Evelyn hurried over. "What happened?"

"I don't know!" Lydia wrung her hands. "One moment he was fine, then he just—"

Evelyn frowned. Alexander had always been robust.

"Where is he now?"

"Next door!" Lydia seized Evelyn's wrist. "Come quickly!"

Gregory's voice turned grave. "I'll go with you."

Lydia pulled Evelyn toward the neighboring apartment.

Alexander's spacious living room flooded with sunlight.

He lay sprawled on the sofa, one arm draped over his eyes, his suit jacket crumpled. Exhaustion radiated from his still form.

"Alexander?"

No response.

Lydia rushed to his side, voice breaking. "I brought Evelyn..."

Finally, he stirred.

Slowly lowering his arm, he revealed a face drained of color.

"Who asked you to call her?" His voice scraped raw. "Leave."

Tears spilled down Lydia's cheeks. "But you're ill—"

"I said no." He pushed upright, jaw clenched. "Make them go."

Gregory stepped forward. "Mr. Hamilton, your health—"

Alexander's gaze flicked between them. A bitter laugh escaped. "Apologies for interrupting your date."

Evelyn inhaled sharply. "How do you feel?"

"Not your concern."

"Alexander!" Her composure cracked. "What do you want?"

He leaned back, eyes shut. "For you to leave."

Gregory frowned. "Sudden syncope requires medical—"

"Medical what?" Alexander's eyes flew open. "Advice to step aside?"

Evelyn turned sharply. "Let's go, Dr. Wilson."

A thunderous crash echoed behind them.

Alexander's fist slammed the coffee table. "Evelyn! Are you truly this heartless?!"

She whirled back.

His knuckles blazed red, chest heaving. "Would my death please you?"

Lydia gasped. "Alexander!"

Gregory shielded Evelyn. "Compose yourself."

"Get out!" Alexander swayed to his feet. "This is between us!"

Evelyn shoved past Gregory. "When will this end?"

"Me?" Alexander's stare burned. "You're leaving me to die."

She pointed at liquor bottles. "Hangover and sleep deprivation? Are you five?"

A hollow laugh. "Yes. Pathetic, isn't it?"

Lydia interjected, "He worked all night after—"

"Stop making excuses." Evelyn's voice iced over. "He clearly doesn't care."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Exactly. One less burden."

"Alexander!"

"Weren't you leaving?" He collapsed back onto the sofa. "Door's that way."

Gregory grasped Evelyn's wrist. "We should—"

She shook free. "Last chance. Do you need a doctor?"

Alexander turned away. "Spare me Dr. Wilson's charity."

Gregory smirked. "Anesthesiologists do emergency rotations too."

"How noble." Alexander's tone dripped venom. "Abandoning candlelit dinners for me."

Evelyn snapped. "Fine. Lydia, call if needed."

A heavy thud interrupted her exit.

Lydia screamed.

Alexander had crumpled to the floor, his face ghostly white.