Chapter 730

Evelyn pushed the brand-new wheelchair into the hospital room, finding Alexander staring blankly out the window.

"The doctor said you need at least another week of hospitalization." She parked the wheelchair beside the bed, her tone calm.

Alexander withdrew his gaze, fingertips lightly tapping the edge of the mattress. "I want to go home."

Evelyn frowned. "You require daily IV drips and wound dressings."

"You'll help me." His voice held unwavering certainty.

She sighed. "Baby Chloe has been extra clingy lately, and work at the company is piling up. I've been running nonstop for three days—my hands shake so badly I can't even hold a coffee cup steady."

Amusement flickered in Alexander's eyes. "It's fine."

"I might miss the vein."

"I trust you."

Evelyn studied him for a long moment before turning to fetch the attending physician. Half an hour later, she returned with discharge papers. "The doctor agreed, but you must adhere to daily wound care."

The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted. "Understood."

When Margaret Hamilton saw her son, her prayer beads clattered to the floor. Trembling, she rushed forward and crushed him in a tearful embrace, dampening his collar.

"Mom, I'm alright." Alexander gently patted her back.

Grace Anderson wiped her eyes while Lily and Lotus peeked from behind the door. The long-silent living room of the ancestral home buzzed with life again, the very air turning warmer.

After dinner, Evelyn administered Alexander's IV in the makeshift hospital room. Her movements were practiced—the needle found its mark effortlessly, the medical tape applied with precision.

"Skills haven't rusted." Alexander watched her focused profile.

Evelyn disposed of the medical waste. "You've had a fever for days. Didn't you notice? A hospital stay would've meant one IV catheter. Now you'll need a fresh needle daily."

Alexander held her gaze. "Will you visit me at the hospital?"

"I will." She answered honestly.

The baby in the crib suddenly cooed and reached out. Alexander brushed her cheek with his free hand, eliciting giggles.

"She'll be crawling soon." Evelyn pulled up a phone video. "I recorded this to send to Miss Langley, but all her social media accounts went dark."

Alexander studied the wobbly toddler on screen. "They'll see it in person when they return."

Late that night, Alexander stared at the bathroom door in silent dilemma. Evelyn passed by with the sleeping baby, noticing his hesitation. "Need help?"

"I..." His ears flushed pink.

Understanding dawned. "The wounds can't get wet. Sponge bath only."

She efficiently arranged a chair and adjusted the water temperature. As she turned to leave, Alexander had already removed his shirt. The angry burn scars stood stark under the lights, making Evelyn inhale sharply.

"Ugly?" His voice tightened.

Evelyn shook her head, fingers hovering midair. "Does it hurt?"

The washcloth slipped into the water with a splash.