Chapter 431

The moment Evelyn spotted him, Edmund exchanged a few words with the physician before approaching her. "Zoe, I knew I'd find you here at the hospital."

Evelyn gave a bitter smile. "Where else would I be?"

Her gaze flickered to Edmund as soon as she answered. "What were you discussing with the doctor?"

Edmund hesitated briefly before replying smoothly, "Just checking on Mr. Goldmann's condition."

"Is it serious?" Evelyn pressed, noting his lack of immediate denial. Her voice dropped, rough with suppressed emotion. "Is he in danger?"

"It's... complicated." Edmund's expression darkened with concern.

If it were just a gunshot wound, survival would have been victory enough. But Nathan's situation was far more intricate than that.

Before Evelyn could respond, her phone buzzed—her father calling all the way from Cornelia.

She hesitated, then answered.

"Dad?"

"Zoe, are you alright? The news mentioned riots breaking out in Stoslo." Richard's voice was thick with worry.

Evelyn frowned. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"I just needed to hear your voice," Richard sighed. "How much longer will you be there? The children miss you terribly."

Evelyn's chest tightened.

Three children.

What would they do if she had died that night? And Nathan still hadn't woken up.

She bit her lip. "It might take a while. Tell them their father and I are both safe."

After a few more reassurances, Richard hung up. Edmund rested a hand on her shoulder. "Go back to the hotel. Leave the hospital to me."

Evelyn trusted him. She nodded.

Once she left, Edmund sought out the doctor again. He knocked, waited for permission, then stepped inside.

Dr. Raymond stood. "Mr. Lincoln, please sit."

Edmund took a seat on the couch. "About what we discussed earlier—elaborate."

Dr. Raymond, familiar with Edmund’s reputation, handed him a blood test report without hesitation. "We analyzed Mr. Goldmann's blood composition. There’s something unusual."

Edmund scanned the results, his face paling slightly.

Dr. Raymond continued, "His condition resembles the virus-infected patients from thirty years ago. But aside from his platelets, everything else appears normal."

Edmund’s grip tightened on the paper. "Who else knows?"

Dr. Raymond shook his head. "We can’t confirm if it’s truly the virus or a mutated strain. Another week of observation is necessary."

Edmund remained silent.

The "sleeper virus" was a silent predator—transmitted only through intimate contact or inherited from an infected parent. It wasn’t airborne, requiring direct skin-to-skin exposure.

The outbreak three decades ago had originated in a luxury hotel’s water tank. Every guest who bathed or consumed the contaminated water became a carrier.

Hundreds checked in daily. The restaurant used the same water supply.

Within weeks, thousands were infected—unknowingly spreading it to their partners.

A nightmare reborn.