Chapter 493

Evelyn's pupils constricted sharply.

Fragments of last night's memories scattered through her mind. She only remembered Alexander pushing her to the brink, her desperate sobs and struggles, and finally sinking her teeth into him.

Where had she bitten him? The sensation in the darkness remained indistinct.

That bite filled her with instant regret.

She'd thought pain would stop him. Instead, it had turned him into a beast scenting blood—more frenzied than ever.

Lydia's words made Evelyn's fingertips tremble.

When Alexander returned laden with bags, the IV drip was nearly empty.

"Alexander!" Lydia's cheeks flushed pink.

He frowned. "Why so red? Running a fever?"

"Oh no, just... the heat..."

Setting down the items, his gaze suddenly froze.

A winding trail of blood in the IV tube was horrifying to behold.

Lydia turned pale. "Oh god! So much blood—"

"Just backflow. Don't panic," Evelyn said calmly.

Alexander slammed the call button, his voice icy. "'Just' backflow?"

The nurse swiftly handled the issue, chiding, "Why didn't you call us when the IV finished?"

Lydia twisted her fingers. "It's my fault. I was so engrossed talking with Evelyn..."

"Go home," Alexander said tersely.

Evelyn patted his arm. "Don't frighten Ms. Laurent."

He turned to her, eyes burning. "What could you possibly discuss that made you miss this?"

"...You."

"Me?"

Lydia scrambled up. "Rest well, Evelyn. I'll take my leave."

"Thanks for the porridge." Evelyn watched her flee.

Alexander didn't move.

"Not seeing her out?"

"I'm not her bodyguard."

He caught his harsh tone and softened his voice. "Does it hurt?"

"It's fine."

His Adam's apple bobbed. "...I overreacted."

Dark circles shadowed his eyes. After keeping her up till dawn the previous night and monitoring her fever all evening, even iron would wear thin.

Evelyn stayed silent. Alexander carefully adjusted her position, tucking a heating pad beneath her IV hand.

"That night..." His voice turned rough. "Gregory's note set me off."

Evelyn's temple throbbed. How would she face Gregory after this?

"Coming all the way to the capital just to tour hospitals," she deflected.

Alexander played along. "How does it compare to yours?"

"Older equipment, but any hospital that heals is good enough."

"The air's too dry here."

Her heart skipped.

"Should get a humidifier," he mused.

She turned away, catching the bite mark on his neck in her periphery.

"Sleepy." She rolled onto her side, back to him.

Alexander tucked the blankets around her. "Rest. I'll watch the IV."

Soon, even breaths filled the room.

After a moment, Alexander lifted her IV-pierced hand. The vein stood visible from continuous fluids. Cradling it gently, he checked emails with his free hand.

His brief appearance at the summit's opening had spawned a flood of get-well fruit baskets. Hamilton Group transition documents clogged his inbox, alongside Emily's endless task list.

By the time he finished, midnight had passed.

His phone lit up beside the pillow. The name "Peter Harrison" flashed. Alexander carried it to the stairwell.

He answered in frozen silence.

A light chuckle came through. "Mr. Hamilton?"

Alexander's voice dripped frost. "What do you want?"