Chapter 432

The virus traces weren't just found in the hotel's water supply. Multiple water sources across the city showed contamination, proving this outbreak wasn't natural - it was orchestrated. 'If Nathan's truly infected, it confirms my worst fears. Someone's still actively developing this bioweapon.'

Evelyn returned to the hotel, freezing when Theodore and Oliver emerged from the entrance. Theodore's face darkened upon seeing her. "Have you forgotten your promise? Look what's happened to Nathan because of you. Are you satisfied now?"

Her gaze dropped. "I'm sorry..."

No excuses came to mind. Nathan had taken that bullet protecting her - the truth was undeniable.

Theodore's expression turned stormy. "Being with you puts Nathan in constant danger. If you truly care for him, walk away."

Her head snapped up. "I can't."

"Then you'll be his executioner!" Theodore's eyes burned with fury.

When Evelyn opened her mouth but found no words, Theodore delivered the final blow. "Evelyn, my objections to your relationship exist for good reason. You're Nathan's only vulnerability. How do you think his enemies got to him? Through you!"

"That bullet was meant for your heart. Next time, he might not survive." The words struck like a physical blow. Her breath hitched painfully at the thought of Nathan dying for her.

'Will I really be the death of him?'

The mere possibility made each breath feel like swallowing glass. Oliver wanted to defend Evelyn, but Theodore's thunderous expression warned against interference. Any protest would only redirect Theodore's wrath onto Evelyn.

Better to wait until Nathan regained consciousness.

As Theodore and Oliver left for the hospital, Evelyn's spirits sank lower. The confrontation had left her hollow.

Chloe waited in the hotel room, rising immediately when Evelyn entered. "You're back... Did you see Mr. Goldmann Senior?" She knew Theodore had come to Stoslo because of the incident.

'With Nathan injured and Theodore never approving of their relationship, this confrontation was inevitable.'

Evelyn nodded numbly.

Seeing her despondent expression, Chloe squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't torture yourself. Nathan's stable now. He'll wake up soon."

"Chloe," Evelyn met her eyes desperately, "Tell me honestly - am I destroying Nathan?"

Chloe hesitated briefly before smiling. "Why would you think that? Life's unpredictable, Evelyn. And any Blackwood Camp graduate knows the risks. If Nathan took that bullet, it's because you're worth dying for."

The words only deepened Evelyn's anguish. "Exactly. He'd sacrifice everything for me. That's precisely why I've become the weapon his enemies will use against him."

'He pretended indifference in public to protect me, while I remained oblivious. I never considered the dangers he faced in Stoslo. Never imagined I'd be used as leverage against him.'