Chapter 189

Evelyn suddenly recalled something when she spotted Oliver and asked, "Where's Nathan?"

"He went back to change clothes. Sent me here instead." Oliver flashed a warm smile.

Ah.

He probably didn't want bloodstains on his designer shirt.

"Oliver," Evelyn hesitated, "did I... bite Nathan?"

The memory of sinking her teeth into someone's flesh haunted her. She could've sworn she heard Nathan's voice.

Oliver's smile widened. "You remember."

Evelyn lowered her gaze. So it was true.

She swallowed hard before asking, "Do the children know I'm hospitalized?"

Being away from home for days - what must Liam and the others be thinking?

Oliver adjusted his glasses. "You were unstable these past few days. Nathan didn't want to worry them, so he kept it quiet."

Evelyn nodded slowly.

It made sense. If Liam saw her in this state and got hurt, she'd never forgive herself.

"And my father—"

"Your father's fine."

Nathan's voice cut through the room as he entered. The doctor and Oliver discreetly exited, granting them privacy.

He settled beside her bed, his striking features shadowed with exhaustion yet unbothered. "Just shocked, that's all."

As Evelyn's eyelids grew heavy, Nathan pulled her into an embrace. The sudden warmth made her gasp.

"Zoe," his voice was rough with emotion, "you scared me half to death. Promise me - no more reckless solo missions."

Nathan would never admit how seeing her lose control had shattered his usual composure.

A feeling entirely foreign to him.

Like if he loosened his grip even slightly, she might vanish forever.

What was he supposed to do with this woman?

"Nathan."

He met her gaze. "Hmm?"

Evelyn stared straight at him. "Take your shirt off."

Nathan froze, those mesmerizing eyes flickering with amusement before he chuckled. "I don't take advantage of patients."

Ignoring him, Evelyn began unbuttoning his tailored dress shirt.

For a wild moment, Nathan wondered if his wife was initiating something. Should he play along?

But Evelyn had no such intentions. She pushed the fabric off his right shoulder, revealing—

A vicious purple bite mark spanning his shoulder.

Nathan suddenly pinned her to the bed. Evelyn's breath hitched as the half-undressed man with godlike features leaned closer, his proximity short-circuiting her thoughts.

His lips brushed hers with uncharacteristic gentleness - featherlight kisses that gradually deepened.

Evelyn didn't resist, her wrists trapped above her head.

"Zoe—"

The door burst open.

Evelyn shoved Nathan away just as Mr. Goldmann Sr. gaped at them from the doorway. "You scoundrel! Zoe's still recovering and you can't keep your hands to yourself?"

Nathan looked heavenward for patience.

Sitting up hastily, Evelyn stammered, "It's not what it—"

"Zoe, darling, focus on healing. Don't indulge this rascal." Mr. Goldmann Sr. cut her off with grandfatherly concern.

"Dad, you really think I'd—"

"At least button your shirt before speaking," the older man huffed, making Nathan groan in frustration.