Chapter 246

"You're incredible, Miss! You saved this woman's life!" a bystander exclaimed, admiration shining in their eyes.

"Absolutely! You're a real-life hero!" another added enthusiastically. "And so young and compassionate too! You should be proud!"

Evelyn Hartley offered a modest smile, her cheeks warming slightly under the praise.

"Thank you," the man who had been with Clara Fernandez said earnestly, his voice thick with gratitude as his gaze locked onto Evelyn's.

Evelyn pressed one hand against the damp pavement, bracing herself as she tried to rise.

Seeing her struggle, Nathan Black stepped forward without hesitation. His strong fingers wrapped around her forearm, steadying her with a firm but gentle grip.

With a smooth motion, he helped her to her feet.

But Evelyn had knelt for too long—her legs trembled beneath her, and she stumbled forward, crashing straight into Nathan's chest.

Nathan caught her effortlessly, his hands secure yet careful as he steadied her.

Evelyn looked up, her eyes briefly meeting his.

For a fleeting second, she remembered the way he had wiped the sweat from her brow earlier—an unexpected gesture of care that had caught her off guard.

Her breath hitched, but before she could speak, the wail of an approaching ambulance shattered the moment.

Medical personnel spilled out of the vehicle with practiced efficiency.

"Dr. Hartley," one of the doctors greeted her, recognition flashing in their eyes.

Since the incident had occurred near St. Grace General Hospital, the ambulance had been dispatched from there.

Evelyn gave a curt nod, slipping back into her professional demeanor. "The patient has a history of heart disease. She likely suffered cardiac arrest. I performed CPR, and her pulse has stabilized."

"Understood," the doctor replied briskly, immediately joining the team as they prepared to transport Clara.

Within moments, the ambulance sped away, its sirens cutting through the steady drizzle.

The crowd buzzed with excitement. "She's a doctor at St. Grace? That's amazing!"

"And so young! What a brilliant woman!"

Evelyn acknowledged them with a polite nod, her expression composed as she turned and walked back toward Nathan's car.

When she reached it, she didn’t get in.

Instead, she opened the passenger door, retrieved her bag, and turned to Nathan. "I'll walk to the hospital from here," she said calmly.

Nathan frowned, his voice low but firm. "It's still raining."