Chapter 9

The surrounding crowd edged closer, their curiosity ignited.

The family physician answered in hushed tones, "She's performing a pericardiocentesis. This gentleman has accumulated fluid around his heart, and the procedure is meant to drain it to alleviate his distress."

"Ah," came the murmured response.

Time seemed to freeze as all eyes remained locked on Evelyn.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally withdrew the syringe from Raj.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the onlookers as color gradually returned to Raj's face, though his breathing remained shallow.

Moments later, medical personnel arrived and swiftly transported Raj to the hospital.

Ethan offered his hand to help Evelyn rise from her kneeling position.

Having been so intensely focused on the procedure, Evelyn felt a tingling numbness in her legs as she stood.

"Evie!" a familiar voice called out.

Marcus Donovan approached with a warm, affectionate smile.

"Evie" was the special nickname Marcus and his wife, Olivia, had given Evelyn—a symbol of their hopes for her to embrace a fresh start in life.

One of the guests inquired with interest, "Mr. Donovan, is this extraordinary young woman your goddaughter?"

Marcus cast a fond glance at Evelyn before addressing the guests. "Indeed! She is the goddaughter Olivia and I are proud to call our own."

A wave of admiration rippled through the crowd.

"Thank heavens Evie was here tonight!"

"She's so young, yet she's already set to join the prestigious Cardiac Surgery Department at Grandview General Hospital. Truly remarkable!"

Though praises showered over her, Evelyn remained composed, unswayed by the flattering words.

Once the banquet officially commenced, Evelyn and Ethan led the opening dance.

Their movements were fluid, their steps synchronized—so intimate that the audience couldn't help but admire their chemistry.

To everyone watching, they made a perfect pair.

Nathan, seated with one leg crossed over the other, idly tapped his fingers against his thigh as he observed them.

His expression was unreadable, but those who knew him well could sense the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

The next morning at the courthouse, Nathan and Evelyn arrived punctually.

When Evelyn spotted Nathan, she walked past him without so much as a glance and strode inside.

Nathan watched her retreating figure, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.