Chapter 369

Nathan's voice was strained as he explained, "Serena was taken hostage yesterday by an old business enemy of mine. I had to act immediately."

Despite his explanation, Leonard's expression remained icy. He glared at Nathan with piercing eyes. "So you abandoned Evelyn by the poolside? Were you aware she can't swim? Because of your negligence, she fell in and nearly drowned!"

Leonard's tone grew increasingly cutting with each word.

"What?" Nathan's face paled instantly.

Leonard let out a bitter laugh. "You dare ask? If not for a maid hearing Evelyn's desperate screams and rescuing her, you'd be identifying her body right now!"

The memory still shook Leonard. Yesterday's incident had been terrifyingly close to tragedy. Most staff had been in the main house, too far to hear the splashing. That single maid's timely intervention had prevented disaster.

Nathan's hands trembled visibly.

The word "body" struck him like a physical blow. The thought of losing Evelyn made his chest constrict painfully.

Leonard continued sharply, "And where were you when Evelyn burned with fever all night? Still absent!"

Dark shadows crossed Nathan's face. His eyes burned with anguish as he demanded, "Why didn't anyone call me?"

Margaret watched the exchange silently from the doorway.

Leonard scoffed derisively. "Why bother? You were clearly preoccupied with Serena's drama. Perhaps you should focus solely on her from now on!"

Nathan turned abruptly and stormed upstairs without another word.

Margaret approached Leonard cautiously. "I believe Nathan still cares deeply for Evelyn."

"Do you think Evelyn would value such conditional concern?" Leonard replied evenly.

Margaret pressed her lips together, choosing silence. The truth was evident - yesterday's events had shattered Evelyn's trust completely.

Entering the bedroom, Nathan found Evelyn still asleep. He moved soundlessly to the bedside.

Her cheeks glowed unnaturally pink, damp tendrils of hair clinging to her sweat-beaded forehead. The sight of her fragility twisted his gut with guilt.

Gently, he blotted her forehead with a tissue before settling into the bedside chair, keeping vigil.

Two hours later, Evelyn's eyelids fluttered open.

Her gaze landed immediately on Nathan's seated figure.

Her expression remained utterly blank, dark eyes devoid of recognition, as if staring at a stranger.

"You're awake," Nathan murmured.

Evelyn offered no reply. She pushed herself upright with visible effort.