Chapter 96

"We're not meant for each other." Evelyn forced herself to meet his piercing gaze, her voice steady.

Only this way would her words carry weight.

The past two days had left her emotionally drained, her eyes now permanently shadowed with sorrow. That lingering sadness gave her declaration an undeniable authenticity when she spoke with such conviction.

Dominic studied her face. His dark eyes still burned with that familiar intensity, but now they held something else—a chilling undercurrent, like crushed ice mixed with fire. The conflicting emotions in his gaze made anyone who saw it deeply uneasy.

"I need to get to work." Evelyn sidestepped his outstretched hand and headed straight for the elevator.

The doors slid open immediately. She stepped inside without looking back.

As the elevator descended, she struggled to steady her breathing, forcing herself to inhale slowly.

She forgot to grab breakfast on the way and arrived at the hospital on an empty stomach.

The VIP ward where Robert had been staying, along with the specialist assigned to him, had all been arranged by Dominic. Now, Evelyn informed the hospital staff that she could no longer afford such luxury.

With her current salary, it was impossible. Most of her savings had already been drained.

Robert was transferred to a general ward, but he didn’t mind. In fact, he seemed relieved.

Sitting by his bedside, Evelyn held his hand as he looked at her with quiet understanding.

"People talk about equality," he said softly, "but the truth is, our worlds are too different. The rich and the poor don’t mix well. I just want you to live a good life, work hard, and never compromise yourself for anyone."

"I know." Evelyn understood his unspoken concern. He probably thought she’d been involved with a wealthy man for financial support.

Honestly, Robert had been worrying about it for a while.

The VIP ward, the top specialist at Paramount Hospital treating his lung cancer—it all pointed to someone powerful backing his daughter.

And powerful people were usually men.

If it had been a woman, a benefactor, Evelyn would have introduced her by now so he could thank her properly.

The fact that she hadn’t brought this person to meet him suggested she was ashamed.

Not because the man was unattractive, but because the financial gap between them was too vast to explain.

Robert knew his illness had been a heavy burden on his daughter. He didn’t pry into her personal life—she was 24, an adult capable of making her own choices.

When he was moved from the VIP ward to the general ward, he felt a sense of relief. It likely meant Evelyn had ended things with that wealthy man.

Whether it had been a fling or something more serious, it was better this way. Relationships with such financial disparities rarely lasted.

After settling her father in, Evelyn went to fill out the necessary paperwork.

The doctor consulted the hospital director, who immediately called Sebastian.

Sebastian was still at home—it wasn’t yet time to leave for work. He frowned when he answered. "Why the sudden request to change wards?"

"Ms. Sinclair said she and her father can no longer afford the premium care. She’s requesting a transfer to the general ward," the director explained.

"Give me two minutes. I’ll check with Mr. Blackwood." Sebastian hung up and dialed Dominic’s private number.

No answer.

He tried again. Still nothing.

Frustrated, he called Blackwood Manor.

"Blackwood residence," the housekeeper answered.

"This is Sebastian. Is Mr. Blackwood available?"

In the living room, Beatrice set down her morning paper and glanced at the housekeeper. "Who is it?"

"Mr. Whitmore."

Beatrice rose and took the phone. "Sebastian, why are you calling so early?"

"Madam, it’s urgent. I need to speak with Mr. Blackwood."

"Dominic isn’t well. He came home this morning with a fever. Tell me what’s wrong."

Sebastian hesitated. Is Ms. Sinclair just a fling? Would his mother disapprove?

After a brief pause, he lied. "It’s a company matter."

Beatrice didn’t involve herself in business affairs. "I’ll have him call you when he wakes."

Once the call ended, Sebastian phoned the hospital.

"If Ms. Sinclair insists on the transfer, proceed as she wishes."

Evelyn left the hospital and rushed to the office.

Life demanded she split herself in two—one half for work, the other for personal struggles.

When she arrived at the design department, she spotted Nathan lingering near the reception desk, pretending to fiddle with his phone as she stepped out of the elevator.

He looked up. Their eyes met. Neither spoke.

"Morning," Nathan said, unusually polite.

Evelyn ignored him and walked straight to her office.

She sat down, powered up her computer, and buried herself in work.

Nathan slipped into the men’s restroom, phone in hand.

A female intern at the reception whispered to another, "Does Nathan still have feelings for Evelyn? I just saw him taking secret photos of her!"

"Even though they broke up, they still work in the same department. He sees her every day—why sneak pictures? I don’t get it." The other intern shrugged and returned to her tasks.

Inside the restroom, Nathan blurred the office background in the photos to avoid recognition, leaving only Evelyn’s figure visible before sending them to his group.

The first shot, taken as she exited the elevator, captured her from the neck down.

The second, snapped as she entered her office, showcased her silhouette—the curve of her waist, the sway of her hips.

Nathan smirked as responses flooded in.

Anonymous User A: Damn, new guy, your ex is fine. Office hottie, huh? That bodycon skirt—I’d rip it right off. She’s got a killer body. Mouthwatering.

Anonymous User B: I’ve been with User A’s wife. Total lolita. Was shy at first, now she’s addicted to cheating. You should try her—she’s got skills.

Nathan exhaled a cloud of smoke, typing: Tonight. Bring your wife. I’ll set it up.

User A: Deal. My wife’s always ready. When do I get your ex?

Nathan replied: Two days. Department welcome party. After drinks and karaoke, I’ll make sure you get your chance.