Chapter 52

A sudden commotion at the door shattered the standoff. A code blue alarm blared through the overhead speakers as a gurney burst into the hallway, surrounded by a frantic medical team.

"Crash cart! We need a crash cart now!"

Evelyn's training kicked in before conscious thought. She moved with practiced efficiency, grabbing gloves from a nearby dispenser. Her sharp eyes took in the patient's ashen complexion, the irregular EKG tracing, the telltale jugular vein distension.

"Cardiac tamponade," she said, more to herself than anyone else.

Lila's hand clamped down on her arm. "What do you think you're doing? You're not credentialed to—"

Evelyn shook her off. "That man is dying. Either help or get out of the way."

The challenge hung in the air between them - a gauntlet thrown down in front of the entire department. For the first time, uncertainty flickered across Lila's perfectly composed features.

Around them, the medical team froze, waiting to see which Sinclair sister would take charge. The cardiac monitor's relentless beeping counted down the seconds, each one precious, each one lost.

Evelyn didn't wait for permission. She reached for the pericardiocentesis tray, her movements sure and steady. "Somebody prep for emergency thoracotomy. And page Dr. Pierce - now."

The room erupted into motion, professionals responding to clear authority despite the unconventional circumstances. Only Lila remained still, her manicured nails digging into her palms as she watched her carefully constructed narrative unravel before her eyes.

The real question wasn't whether Evelyn could save the patient - it was what would happen when the dust settled, and Silvercrest General Hospital realized they had two Sinclair sisters, but only one true healer.

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh, her voice laced with icy amusement. "Who told you I needed her help to get into Grandview General Hospital?"

The words hung in the air, leaving Lila and the two doctors momentarily stunned into silence.

One of them recovered first, scoffing. "Excuse me? Do you honestly think Grandview General is some small-town clinic where anyone can waltz in and out as they please? Even Lila is only the director’s apprentice—not a full-fledged doctor. And you think you can just waltz in without connections?"

Lila’s lips pressed into a thin line, her earlier composure cracking. "Evelyn, ambition is good, but you should know your limits. Aiming for the impossible will only make you look foolish." Her voice sharpened with each word, her cheeks flushing with barely restrained frustration.

Evelyn had somehow secured a full-time position as a resident physician at Grandview General. How?

Lila’s face paled, then darkened with barely concealed fury. The words she had thrown at Evelyn moments ago now boomeranged back, mocking her.

Evelyn merely arched a brow, her smirk deepening. Was this Lila’s true face? The sweet, doting sister act crumbling under the weight of jealousy?

The other doctors exchanged uneasy glances. They had always seen Lila as the epitome of grace—protective, kind, the perfect older sister. But now, she stood there, openly belittling Evelyn in front of everyone, her tone dripping with venom.

Then again, could anyone blame her? Lila had spent a year at Grandview General without securing a permanent position, while Evelyn had somehow walked in and claimed one effortlessly. The injustice of it was enough to make anyone lash out.

Realizing the weight of her outburst, Lila quickly schooled her expression, forcing a softer tone. "Evelyn, I didn’t mean it like that. I was just… surprised. How did this happen?"

Before Evelyn could respond, Miranda Graves—Lila’s sharp-tongued ally—cut in. "Mr. Mercer, isn’t it hospital policy that all new hires must pass the internal exam? Those exams are held in January. It’s June now. The season is long over."

Trevor Mercer’s gaze flicked toward Evelyn, but before he could speak, another doctor interjected. "Mr. Mercer, we don’t usually allow visitors in this area. She’s only here because she’s Lila’s assistant."

Trevor’s brows lifted in surprise. "Lila’s assistant?"

Lila straightened, her confidence returning. "That’s right."

Trevor let out a quiet scoff before striding toward Evelyn. She suppressed a sigh. So much for keeping a low profile. With Sebastian Holloway’s assistant here, any chance of slipping under the radar was gone.

His voice was light, but his eyes were probing. "Already making friends, I see?"