Chapter 422

When Lila thought of that, the storm in her gaze stilled, replaced by carefully cultivated composure. She forced a small, practiced smile and met Nathan's piercing stare.

"Don't worry, Mr. Black," she said smoothly. "I'm telling the truth."

Nathan tilted his head slightly, his voice laced with quiet intensity. "Are you now?"

With that, he turned away, his broad shoulders and commanding presence making the air feel heavier as he left. Lila exhaled sharply once he was gone, her fingers trembling slightly at her sides. Nathan had a way of making the room shrink around him, his mere presence enough to make her pulse race. But the lie was already out there. Now, she could only hope he'd never dig deep enough to uncover what she'd hidden.

Biting her lip, Lila spun on her heel and strode off.

After her shift, Evelyn returned to Sterling Manor, exhaustion weighing on her shoulders. At dinner, Grace kept sneaking extra helpings onto Evelyn's plate, her worried glances impossible to ignore.

Evelyn set her fork down with a sigh. "Mom, why are you looking at me like I'm a stranger?"

Grace hesitated, her lips parting before she found the words. "It's just... I'm concerned."

Evelyn offered a faint smile, though her gaze dropped to her plate. "There's no need. I'm fine."

"Evelyn," Grace began carefully, "I know this hasn't been easy. Maybe you should talk to Mr. Black again. There might still be a way—"

"Did Victor put you up to this?" Evelyn's voice turned sharp, her eyes flashing up.

Grace sighed in frustration. "Evelyn, he's your father. And he's not wrong. You still have feelings for Nathan, don't you? If that's the case, then why not—"

"Why not what?" Eleanor's cool voice cut in, her expression unreadable.

Grace fell silent under Eleanor's stern gaze.

Eleanor's tone was measured. "Evelyn knows what she's doing. We shouldn't interfere under the guise of concern."

Grace nodded. "I understand."

Eleanor's expression softened slightly as she turned to Evelyn. "You have surgery tomorrow morning. Make sure you rest well tonight."

Evelyn gave a brief nod. "I will."

Grace's eyes flickered with something unspoken before she smiled. "Yes, tomorrow's a big day—your first surgery as attending physician. You should be well-rested."