Chapter 256

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly as she clutched the edge of the blanket.

"You shouldn't have come."

Ethan's eyes turned icy, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

"Indeed, I shouldn't have."

A cold gust followed his abrupt turn before the door slammed shut.

Evelyn stared at the closed door, a dull ache spreading through her chest. With every step he took toward her, the walls around her heart crumbled further.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed.

The moment she pushed open the hospital room door, she met a pair of dark, penetrating eyes.

Ethan leaned against the wall, his suit jacket draped over his arm, tie slightly loosened.

"You—"

Before she could finish, she was swept off her feet.

The warmth of his chest seeped through the fabric, his heartbeat loud against her ear. Her ears burned, her breath hitching involuntarily.

"Put me down."

"Keep struggling, and I'll drop you."

His jaw tightened, voice sharp, yet his arms only held her tighter.

As the black Maybach pulled into Oceanview Mansion, Evelyn frowned.

"Take me back to Elm Cove."

Ethan scoffed. "Got a death wish?"

Colin quickly interjected, "Miss Sullivan, Elm Cove isn't safe. The repairman installed a pressure-sensitive device in the lock—it would detonate the moment the door opens."

"Did you find out who's behind it?"

"The suspect is dead." Colin lowered his voice. "He was killed an hour after planting the bomb."

Evelyn's gaze sharpened.

Too convenient.

A fanatic would've left traces of boasting. A clean execution like this? It reeked of...

She quickly messaged Wheat: Scorpion's back.

The reply was instant: The bomber had contact with Scorpion's men.

Her fingers went cold.

This wasn't murder. It was a warning.

Can you track him?

He might have a new identity now, Wheat replied. He could be right beside you.

As her screen dimmed, a shadow fell over her.

Ethan held out a pill and a glass of water.

"Take it."

Backlit by the light, his silhouette was edged in gold. She swallowed the pill, the rustle of his clothes loud as he turned away.

"Ethan."

His steps halted.