Chapter 50

The unsettling thought weighed heavily on Evelyn's mind as she buried her face in her knees. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but it did little to soothe the storm inside her. Suddenly, the balcony door clicked open, the sound slicing through the silence.

Evelyn lifted her head, her dark eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions.

Nathan stood there, his broad frame silhouetted against the dim light from the bedroom. His voice was rough with sleep. "What are you doing out here at this hour?"

For a moment, Evelyn simply stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, she turned away, unable—or unwilling—to hold his gaze any longer.

Nathan frowned, irritation flickering in his sharp blue eyes. He had woken to find the bed empty, an inexplicable pang of worry tightening his chest. Now, seeing her here, unharmed, he felt foolish for caring.

He was about to turn back inside when—

"Nathan." Evelyn's voice, crisp and cool, stopped him mid-step. "You truly love Serena, don't you?"

Nathan hesitated, his jaw tensing before he turned to face her fully. His expression was unreadable, but his silence spoke volumes.

Evelyn's lips curled into a bitter smile. "To marry someone like me—an illegitimate daughter with nothing to offer—just for her sake... You must really adore her."

The irony in her tone was sharp enough to cut.

Before Nathan could respond, Evelyn continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "Leonard insists we wait a month before finalizing the divorce. That must be frustrating for you."

Nathan's gaze darkened, a flicker of disdain crossing his features. "At least you're aware of it."

Evelyn looked away, her smile faint and humorless. "Don't worry. When the time comes, I'll make sure the divorce goes through smoothly. You'll be free to be with Serena."

Her words were calm, detached, as if she were discussing the weather rather than the end of her marriage.

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Her indifference shouldn’t have bothered him—but it did. The unfamiliar irritation coiled in his chest, tightening his voice. "See that you do."

With that, he turned sharply and strode back inside, the balcony door slamming shut behind him with a finality that echoed through the night.

Evelyn watched him go, her expression serene. Then, she turned back to the city lights, her fingers curling around the railing. Sleep eluded her for the rest of the night, and by morning, dark shadows lingered beneath her eyes. After hastily applying concealer and securing her sleek wig into a neat ponytail, she left the penthouse without another word.

The Grand Hills General Hospital parking lot was nearly full when she arrived. Originally, Sebastian was supposed to meet her at the entrance, but Evelyn had insisted on heading straight to the Cardiac Surgery Department.

Yet, as she stepped out of the elevator, a security guard blocked her path. "Identification, please. What’s your business here?"

Before Evelyn could respond, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Evelyn?"

She turned—and there stood Lila.

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