Chapter 67

Noticing Serena's silence, Evelyn leaned in slightly, her voice dripping with false concern. "What's the matter, Miss Cole? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course, I'm happy to see you," Serena replied, forcing a tight smile as she gestured for Nathan and Evelyn to enter. "Please, come in."

Once inside, Nathan's voice dropped to a husky murmur. "Serena, where does it hurt?"

"I have a fever," Serena whispered, her voice weak—playing her part while genuinely suffering from the rising heat in her body.

Evelyn stepped closer, pressing the back of her hand against Serena's forehead, holding it there for a beat too long. After a calculated pause, she withdrew her hand and said coolly, "It's not too high. Manageable."

She tilted her head slightly before adding, "Do you have any fever medication here, Miss Cole?"

Serena shook her head. "No, I don't."

Evelyn turned decisively to Nathan. "You should go to the pharmacy and get her something for the fever."

A flicker of irritation crossed Serena's face at Evelyn's commanding tone, but she bit back her words. Nathan hesitated for a moment before nodding and leaving without another word.

With Nathan gone, only Evelyn and Serena remained in the room. Evelyn maintained her composed facade, a faint smile playing on her lips as she asked, "No fever medicine? But surely you have ice packs?"

"Yes," Serena admitted reluctantly.

"That'll do," Evelyn said breezily. "Just wrap one in a towel and press it to your forehead. It should help bring your temperature down."

Serena exhaled softly before turning toward the kitchen. Minutes later, she returned, settling onto the couch and pressing the wrapped ice pack to her forehead.

Evelyn crossed the room with effortless grace, sinking into the armchair opposite Serena. She crossed her legs, the picture of elegance, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. "It seems you didn't take my advice to heart, Miss Cole."

Serena's lashes fluttered, and she pressed her lips together before answering softly, "Mrs. Hartley, you misunderstand. I was alone, feverish, and terrified. Dylan always turns his phone off at night—I couldn't reach him. In that moment of panic, I didn’t know who else to call but Nathan."

Evelyn arched a brow, feigning innocence. "Is that so? You could have called an ambulance. Paramedics would have arrived quickly."

Serena lowered her gaze, her voice trembling with quiet sincerity. "You might not understand, but I've spent so much time in hospitals over the years because of my poor health. Those memories have left me with a deep fear of them. I avoid hospitals unless it's absolutely necessary."

Evelyn's smirk deepened internally, but outwardly, she adopted an expression of sympathy. She nodded slowly. "I see. Still, Miss Cole, Nathan isn't the right person to call. He's not a doctor—his presence alone won't cure you." She paused, then offered smoothly, "Here's an idea—let's exchange numbers. If you feel unwell again in the middle of the night, call me directly. As a doctor, I can help you immediately."