Chapter 10

Evelyn's phone buzzed sharply in the quiet waiting area, shattering the tense silence.

She glanced at the screen, her lips tightening briefly before excusing herself to take the call.

"What is it?" she answered, her tone clipped.

"Star, it's Addie again," came the bright voice on the other end. "Elsa Torres won't take no for an answer. She's demanding you personally perform her son's surgery."

Evelyn exhaled, unimpressed. "I'm not available. His case isn't urgent, and their local team is perfectly competent. There's no reason for me to intervene."

Addie chuckled lightly. "I know, but you know how mothers are. She insists only the best will do for her son—and apparently, that's you."

Evelyn's fingers tapped impatiently against her thigh. "Tell her no again. I'm in the middle of something important." Without waiting for a reply, she ended the call and returned to Nathan.

Five minutes later, Nathan's phone rang.

His expression darkened the moment he answered. "I'll be right there," he said tersely before hanging up.

"Nathan!" Evelyn caught his arm before he could leave. Her grip was firm, her gaze unwavering. "I don't care what just came up—we're getting divorced today."

She was certain it was Serena calling him, judging by the urgency in his voice.

Nathan turned to her, his voice low. "It's my father. He's been rushed to the hospital."

Evelyn's demeanor shifted instantly. Without hesitation, she stood. "I'm coming with you."

Nathan didn't argue, striding toward the exit without another word.

Grand Oaks General Hospital, VIP Ward

"Mom!" Nathan burst into the room, his voice tight with concern. "How is he?"

Margaret turned, relief flickering in her eyes before worry took over again. "He was fine until he got that call. It triggered an asthma attack."

Only then did she notice Evelyn standing behind Nathan.

Margaret blinked, then her eyes widened in shock. "Evelyn? My God—what happened to you these past three years? You look completely different!"

Despite the drastic change in Evelyn's appearance—her once-heavy frame now slender, the dark mark on her face gone—her striking features were unmistakable.

"Margaret," Evelyn greeted calmly.

Just then, Leonard stirred in the hospital bed.

Margaret immediately turned back to him, relief softening her features. "Oh, you scared me half to death!"