Chapter 96

"Dr. Carter?" The nurse looked up in surprise. "Are you the patient's family?"

"Yes. She's my mother-in-law."

Evelyn quickly signed the consent form and handed it back. "The patient has had persistent headaches for about a month. Today, she suffered a sudden stroke. Her blood pressure was 50/90 upon arrival. She received oxygen for 45 minutes during transport. Current readings are 70/110 with oxygen saturation at 86%."

The nurse nodded. "I'll inform Dr. Porter immediately."

"Thank you."

The ER doors closed again, leaving the hallway in silence.

Auntie Marry wrung her hands, her gaze flickering toward Alexander. "Madam, thank goodness you were here today..."

"Auntie Marry, I need to tend to my wound."

"Oh!" The older woman finally noticed the blood-soaked bandage on Evelyn's leg. "How did this happen?"

The white gauze was nearly saturated with crimson.

The injury hadn't fully healed. After today's ordeal—climbing stairs, falling, pushing the gurney—it was no surprise it had reopened.

"It's nothing serious. I'll get it redressed in the surgical ward."

"Let me come with you—"

"Stay here." Evelyn lowered her voice. "In case the ER needs anything."

Auntie Marry hesitated, glancing at Alexander again.

Her young master was completely entangled with Annabelle. Utterly useless.

"Then I'll make this quick."

The surgical ward was on the first floor.

Which meant passing that stairwell.

When the elevator doors opened, chaos assaulted her senses. At the center of the crowd, Alexander's veins bulged as Annabelle wept dramatically.

"Cheater." "Homewrecker." "Disgrace to the medical profession." The whispers swirled like vultures.

"Excuse me."

The spectators parted automatically.

She strode into the elevator and hit the close button.

Thankfully, no one noticed her.

As the elevator descended, Evelyn leaned against the wall and exhaled sharply.

"Dr. Carter?!" Olivia intercepted her in the lobby. "What— Oh God! Your leg!"

"Help me to surgery."

In the treatment room, Dr. Porter sucked in a breath when he peeled back the bandage. "Evelyn, this wound—"

"Unavoidable circumstances."

"This is reckless!" He pressed an alcohol-soaked gauze firmly against the injury. "At this rate, you'll definitely scar!"

Evelyn clenched her teeth as cold sweat trailed down her temple.

In the mirror, she saw her pallid face and the vicious gash on her leg.

Just like her marriage.

It would leave a permanent mark. One that could never be erased.