Chapter 486

Olivia hesitated, her voice laced with caution as she inquired, "Evelyn, about you and Nathan... Is there something more between you two?"

At Olivia's question, a shadow of emotion flickered across Evelyn's face.

Nathan's unexpected confession suddenly replayed in Evelyn's mind like an unwelcome echo.

Before Evelyn could formulate a response, Olivia continued. "You've heard about Nathan's actions toward the Sinclair family, haven't you? His extreme reaction... Doesn't that make you feel anything?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together momentarily before answering, "No, my feelings toward him haven't changed." Yet Olivia could clearly see the storm of emotions swirling beneath Evelyn's composed exterior. Choosing not to press further, Olivia simply gave Evelyn's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

After their evening meal, Evelyn retreated to the sanctuary of her bedroom. Standing beneath the steaming shower, she closed her eyes, letting the water cascade over her. Her thoughts were in complete disarray, a tangled mess she couldn't begin to unravel.

Despite her constant reminders to remain unaffected by Nathan's words and actions, she found herself failing miserably. His simple, straightforward confession had shattered her carefully constructed emotional walls, leaving her frustrated beyond measure. Never in her wildest dreams had she anticipated such a declaration from him. His words had ambushed her defenses, disrupting the fragile peace she'd worked so hard to rebuild.

What infuriated her most was how deeply Nathan could still affect her.

That night, sleep proved elusive. Evelyn tossed and turned until well past two in the morning before exhaustion finally claimed her.

The next morning, she dragged herself through her routine, stifling yawns as she descended the stairs for breakfast. After forcing down some food, she headed to the hospital, choosing to drive herself for the first time in weeks.

As she navigated the familiar streets, a flash of blue caught her eye - a luxury car parked along the roadside that she recognized instantly. Her foot instinctively tapped the brakes. After a brief hesitation, she accelerated again, speeding toward her destination.

The blue car fell in behind her without hesitation.

Evelyn drove without stopping, and Nathan made no attempt to intercept her. He simply maintained a steady distance, shadowing her progress like a silent guardian.

Only when Evelyn entered the underground parking garage of Grand Oaks General Hospital did Nathan finally turn his car around. It seemed his only purpose had been to ensure her safe arrival at work in his own stubborn way.

The entire situation left Evelyn perplexed, but she refused to dwell on it. There were patients waiting, charts to review - she had work to do.

After yesterday's dramatic events, the hospital staff and patients' families regarded Evelyn with newfound respect. She acknowledged their changed demeanor with professional detachment, showing no outward reaction.

Around noon, a nurse's voice interrupted her concentration. "Dr. Hartley, you have visitors."

"Understood," Evelyn replied, setting down her pen. She closed the medical chart on her desk and stepped out of her office.

In the hallway stood Julian and his aunt. Evelyn's professional mask softened into a genuine smile as she approached them, greeting the pair warmly.