Chapter 81

"Evelyn, the board is pressing hard. Several contracts require your personal signature." Sophia's exhausted voice came through the phone.

Evelyn massaged her temples. "Bring them to the hospital. I'm in the VIP ward."

After hanging up, she glanced at the man sleeping soundly in the hospital bed. Ethan's breathing was steady, though his face remained pale.

Sophia arrived quickly, rushing into the room with an armful of documents.

"These all need your review," she whispered, careful not to disturb the patient.

Evelyn took the files, flipping through the pages with swift fingers. The scratch of her pen against paper echoed sharply in the quiet room.

"I'll leave the company in your hands for now." She closed the last file and met Sophia's gaze.

Sophia hesitated but ultimately nodded.

After seeing Sophia out, Evelyn heard commotion from inside the room as she approached the door. Through the window, she spotted a cluster of white coats gathered around the bed.

Had Ethan woken up?

She pushed the door open—only to hear Isabella's saccharine voice cutting through the crowd. "Don't worry, Dr. Howard. I'll take good care of Ethan."

Dr. Howard turned and spotted Evelyn in the doorway, his expression flickering with discomfort. "Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan just regained consciousness."

Before Evelyn could speak, Isabella interjected, "Doctor, Ethan needs rest. All these people will disturb him."

The medical staff filed out, and only then did Isabella notice Evelyn's presence. She lifted her chin defiantly before fussing with Ethan's blanket.

"Ethan, would you like some water?" Her voice dripped with honeyed sweetness.

Ethan's gaze settled on Isabella, his eyes softer than Evelyn had ever seen. "No. You should rest."

Evelyn stood frozen in the doorway, the sight stinging like salt in a wound. Ethan's first waking sight had been Isabella. The realization twisted something inside her.

"Since you're awake, I'll head back." Her voice was calm, detached.

Silence filled the room. Ethan didn’t even glance her way.

As Evelyn turned to leave, the shattering of glass rang out behind her. She paused mid-step but didn’t look back.

"Don’t bother coming again." Ethan's icy words chased after her. "Isabella is enough."

The hallway lights stretched her shadow long and thin. Evelyn clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms.

Inside the room, Isabella flinched at Ethan’s sudden fury. Trembling, she reached for his hand. "Ethan—"

He yanked his arm away, his glare dark and terrifying. "Get out."

Isabella paled, biting her lip as she retreated from the room.