Chapter 406

Had he discovered the truth?

Though her mind spun with frantic thoughts, Serena's face remained perfectly composed.

She nodded slightly. "Yes. Is something troubling you, Nathan?"

"Do you believe I'm being dishonest?"

Nathan remained silent, his piercing gaze dissecting every microexpression on Serena's face. It felt like he could see straight through her carefully constructed facade.

Beneath the hospital blanket, Serena's nails dug into her palms.

Breathe. Stay calm.

There was no way Nathan could have found evidence that Evelyn hadn't pushed her. This was just another one of his psychological games.

After several tense seconds, Nathan finally looked away. Her reaction had given nothing away.

When he spoke again, each word carried deliberate weight.

"Serena, we've known each other for years." His voice turned dangerously soft. "You should know by now that deception is the one thing I cannot tolerate."

A cold, humorless laugh escaped his lips.

"Every person who's ever lied to me has regretted it deeply." His glacial eyes locked onto hers again. "So don't even consider deceiving me."

The unspoken threat hung heavily between them. Serena's pulse hammered against her ribs. Though Nathan's expression remained neutral, the pressure radiating from him made the air feel thick, suffocating.

For one terrifying moment, she nearly confessed everything.

But no—all her sacrifices would be for nothing. The truth could never come out.

Serena forced a serene smile. "Of course I know that, Nathan. You can trust me completely."

Nathan's eyes darkened, his face unreadable. After a weighted pause, he simply said, "Good."

He stood abruptly, towering over her hospital bed. "Rest well." Without another word, he strode from the room. This time, she didn't try to stop him.

Only when his footsteps faded completely did Serena finally exhale. A cold sweat dotted her forehead. Her heart still raced violently.

Nathan was suspicious—that much was clear. But she'd played her part flawlessly. Still, she couldn't afford to relax yet.

"Serena!"

The sudden voice made her jump. She whirled to see Dylan standing in the doorway, grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

"You scared me half to death!" She wiped her damp palms on the sheets.

Dylan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You'll never guess what just happened!"