Chapter 488
Evelyn didn't respond.
Her breathing grew steady as her eyelids fluttered shut. She leaned back unconsciously, sinking into the plush chair.
The movement brought her closer to Alexander Hamilton.
His familiar scent enveloped her. Alexander's furrowed brow relaxed slightly, though his tone remained stern. "Running such a high fever, yet still worrying about others?"
Through the haze, Evelyn heard his words and instinctively wanted to argue. But overwhelming exhaustion pulled her under.
She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When she awoke, blinding white light assaulted her vision.
Blinking, Evelyn saw a nurse swabbing her pale hand with alcohol.
"The patient's awake," the nurse murmured.
Alexander appeared instantly at her bedside. His dark eyes bore into her, swirling with unreadable emotions.
Evelyn tried to speak, but a sharp sting interrupted her. She winced.
"Don't move." Alexander's voice came from above her.
Realizing she was receiving IV fluids, Evelyn stilled.
"What's happening?" Alexander's voice turned icy. "This is the second attempt."
The nurse dabbed her forehead nervously. "Her veins are quite narrow—"
"What medication?" Evelyn rasped.
"Clindamycin. For inflammation—"
"Pneumonia?"
The nurse brightened. "Mild pneumonia. The main issue is severe upper respiratory and bronchial inflammation."
Evelyn understood now. The daytime improvement had been deceptive—the infection had spread downward.
"How serious?" Alexander pressed.
"Standard treatment." Evelyn kept her voice even. "IV fluids with nebulizer therapy. Recovery will be quick."
The nurse exhaled in relief. "You're in the medical field?"
"OB-GYN."
"That explains it." The nurse wiped her brow. "We considered cephalosporins, but couldn't confirm your allergy history while you slept. Your husband refused a skin test, so we started with clindamycin."
Evelyn shook her head. "I'm not allergic to cephalosporins."
"Should we switch medications?"
"No need." Evelyn paused. "And he's not my husband."
The nurse looked baffled. "But he carried you into the ER—"
"Just being a Good Samaritan."
Alexander snorted. "Is the needle in or not?"
The nurse turned to Evelyn helplessly. "Perhaps we should try the other hand? The veins here aren't visible anymore."
Evelyn withdrew her left hand decisively.
She clenched and unclenched her fist, then slapped the back of her hand firmly. After palpating the skin, she pointed. "Here."
This time, the needle found its mark effortlessly.
"Thank you," Evelyn said softly.
Alexander stared at her reddened hand, his expression stormy. "You're ruthless with yourself."
"Effective methods matter most."
The nurse hurried out after giving instructions, pausing when Alexander unexpectedly apologized.
Silence settled over the hospital room.
Evelyn touched her burning forehead—the fever hadn't abated.
"Drink." Alexander placed water on her bedside table. "No need for formalities when we're alone."
"It's called basic courtesy."
He sat on the edge of her bed. "If I hadn't come, how high would you have let your fever climb?"
"I didn't expect it to get this bad." Even Evelyn was surprised.
She'd genuinely felt better that morning.
"Some viruses prey on easy targets." Alexander's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Waits until I leave to attack."
Evelyn arched a brow. "So I'm soft, and you're hard?"
"Exactly."
Evelyn: "..."
Alexander suddenly leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "You're soft where you should be... and firm where it counts."
"Alexander!"
"I meant your stubbornness. Problem?"
Evelyn turned her face away.
He shoved the water cup into her hands. "The doctor says you've overworked yourself these years—your immune system's shot. I've hired a nutritionist. You're following their meal plan."
"No time." Evelyn watched the water ripple. "Too many responsibilities."
"I'll handle Hamilton Group affairs until you recover."
"What about the summit? I only attended one day."
Alexander laughed darkly. "That tedious conference? Nothing worth hearing."
Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "That's not what you said before we came."