Chapter 444

Nathan sent Walter in his place to check on Evelyn.

The call came through just as Nathan stepped into his office. "Yes?" he answered tersely.

"I'm at the hospital, Mr. Black. But the nurses informed me Ms. Hartley was discharged this morning," Walter reported.

"Discharged?" Nathan's grip tightened on his phone.

"Indeed. I spoke with her physician. He confirmed her condition had stabilized enough for outpatient care with daily IV treatments. Given Ms. Hartley's medical expertise, the doctor approved her release," Walter explained.

Nathan ended the call without another word.

An unfamiliar tightness gripped his throat.

He remained seated, the leather chair suddenly unbearable.

Damn it all!

Why should he care about her discharge? Yet the thought did nothing to ease the restless irritation coiling in his chest.

At the Sinclair residence...

Evelyn had stubbornly insisted on leaving the hospital, leaving Eleanor powerless to stop her.

She knew her own condition better than anyone - whether convalescing in a sterile room or her own bed made little difference.

Most importantly, she couldn't bear another encounter with Nathan.

This was her escape.

Propped against silk pillows, Evelyn reached for a medical journal when her phone vibrated.

Sebastian's name flashed across the screen.

"Hello," she answered, masking her fatigue.

"How are you feeling?" Concern laced his voice.

"Much improved," she lied smoothly.

"I heard about the incident. Don't worry - I'll ensure a proper investigation," Sebastian promised, having just returned from overseas negotiations.

Evelyn gave a hollow laugh. "No need. I did violate protocol first."

"This goes deeper than protocol, Evelyn. Dominic and Victor have been close for years. This was clearly retaliation for that cardiac case last month. Focus on recovering - I'll handle everything." The line went dead before she could protest.