Chapter 438

Evelyn stood frozen as Nathan's cold gaze pierced through her. "Yes, there's no need for hospitalization," he stated flatly, then turned to Oliver.

"Book my return flight for the morning after tomorrow."

Oliver hesitated. "But your injuries—"

"I know my own condition." Nathan's tone left no room for argument.

Oliver shot a helpless glance at Theodore, who threw up his hands in exasperation. "Let him go if he insists. I've lost all authority over this stubborn grandson of mine." With that, he stormed out, his coat flapping behind him.

Evelyn bit her lip and approached Nathan. "Please listen to your grandfather. Waiting a few more days won't hurt."

The long flight could aggravate his wounds. What if they reopened mid-air?

Nathan's expression remained icy, his lips pressed into a thin line. The sudden chill in his demeanor made Evelyn shiver—this wasn't the man she knew. "Nathan?"

"I'm leaving." He stood abruptly, ignoring her concern, and reached for his clothes. As he shrugged off the hospital gown, the stark white bandages wrapped around his torso came into view. Bullet wounds, knife slashes—evidence of his brutal encounter with the masked assailant.

Without thinking, Evelyn stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing her cheek against his back. His warmth was there, but beneath it, a disturbing coldness lingered.

Nathan stilled, his jaw tightening.

"You're not healed yet," she whispered, her voice soft as midnight breeze, carrying the weight of her worry.

His eyes darkened. Gently but firmly, he pried her arms away. "Don't."

Silence stretched between them as he pulled on his shirt. Evelyn moved to fasten the buttons for him. He didn't protest, but neither did he acknowledge her touch.

When she finished, she kept her gaze lowered. "Nathan... are you keeping something from me?"

Her eyes lifted, searching his face for answers.

Something was off. He felt distant, guarded in a way he'd never been before.

Nathan's gaze was unfathomable, like the depths of a frozen lake. "Some things are better left unasked."

He reached for his trousers, then paused, arching a brow at her. "Planning to watch?"

Evelyn flushed and spun around. "Fine, I won't look."

A quiet chuckle escaped him—the first hint of warmth since the conversation began.

After his discharge, they returned to his hotel suite. Evelyn packed her belongings and informed Chloe to prepare for their upcoming flight.

That afternoon, she met Madam Nora at an upscale restaurant. The elderly woman had requested the meeting upon hearing of Evelyn's abduction during the show.

"Thank you for your concern, I'm alright," Evelyn assured her with a smile.

"Good. Missing one show isn't the end. There will be other opportunities—I have faith in you."

Madam Nora's kindness touched Evelyn. Just then, the older woman's assistant approached. "Madam, we must leave for the airport in two hours."

"Of course," Madam Nora replied before turning back to Evelyn. "You're returning soon?"

Evelyn nodded. "The day after tomorrow."

"Contact me when you're back in town." As Madam Nora's wheelchair was pushed away, Evelyn remained seated, lost in thought as she stared out the window.

"Ms. Zara."

The familiar voice snapped her from her reverie. Julian stood there, glancing at the two place settings. "Dining alone?"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Just finished a meeting. You?"

"Business lunch." His gaze lingered on the unused cutlery. "Expecting someone? Your husband, perhaps?"