Chapter 298

Evelyn couldn't pinpoint a logical explanation, but her instincts screamed that Winifred had been set up. Whoever framed Winifred knew about their personal history...

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the figure appearing at the doorway. "Evelyn."

Startled, Evelyn blinked and recognized Rachel standing there.

Rachel entered hesitantly, nervously rubbing her hands together. "Evelyn...I'm relieved you're awake. About what happened before...I know apologies mean nothing now. I don't expect forgiveness. But I needed to say this..."

Her voice cracked. "I believed Winifred over you. That's how everything got twisted. I actually thought you never considered me a friend. This is entirely my fault." Rachel's eyes reddened. "You must have been devastated that day."

The memory burned - standing silent while Evelyn faced humiliation, when Evelyn had actually defended her against Winifred's gang.

Evelyn lowered her gaze. "Rachel, I can't blame you entirely. I came to camp with one goal - to pass the assessment in two weeks. I wasn't exactly open with anyone either."

She gave a wry smile. "Letting people in...that's never been easy for me." 'If I can't even make myself understood, how can I blame Rachel?'

Rachel wiped her eyes. "Just knowing you don't hate me...that's enough. I'll let you rest now." Watching Rachel's dejected retreat, Evelyn slumped back, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of recent events - and Winifred's shocking suicide.

When Nathan returned to find Evelyn motionless, his breath hitched. He rushed over, leaning down urgently - only for Evelyn to bolt upright, their foreheads colliding painfully.

"Nathan! Are you okay?" Evelyn gasped, rubbing her head while Nathan clutched his nose. 'Why did he have to hover so close!'

Nathan pinched his nose bridge, grateful it wasn't surgically enhanced. Removing his hand revealed a crimson streak. He dabbed his philtrum - definitely bleeding.

"Don't move!" Evelyn grabbed tissues, pulling him onto the bed's edge to tend his injury. Seeing the usually composed Nathan in such disarray sparked unexpected laughter.

Nathan scowled. "You're laughing at my suffering?" "Sorry!" Evelyn's shoulders shook with suppressed giggles. "I can't help it!"

Watching her genuine, unguarded reaction, Nathan suddenly gripped her wrist. In one fluid motion, he pulled her onto his lap, arms encircling her waist.

Evelyn froze as he leaned close, his whisper raising goosebumps: "Zoe...do you know what haunted me these past two days while you lay unconscious?"