Chapter 905

The air grew still.

Yes, they had nearly perished.

After what felt like an eternity, another knock sounded at the door.

Preston Sinclair regained his composed demeanor. "May I come in?"

Evelyn gave a slight nod.

Isabella Montgomery gracefully surrendered her seat, flashing Evelyn a knowing look that Preston didn't miss.

His eyes sparkled with barely contained delight. Evelyn averted her gaze, pressing fingers to her temple.

She desperately wished to disown this meddlesome friend.

Natalie Beaumont rolled her eyes in exasperation. What kind of friend was this?

Sebastian Hart cleared his throat. "It's getting late. I should inform the others we're safe."

Natalie followed suit.

Isabella hesitated, torn between staying and intruding, before finally trailing after them.

Preston stood motionless, two eggs cradled in his elegant hands. His slender fingers hesitated momentarily before gently tapping them against the bedside table.

Every movement flowed with effortless grace.

Those aristocratic hands holding steaming eggs created an oddly comforting scene.

"The facilities here are limited, but I procured these from the neighboring physician. At least they're nutritious..."

Evelyn blinked, recalling Isabella's earlier words. Her pulse quickened slightly.

'I shouldn't have deceived you... shouldn't have frightened you...'

Preston's lips curved upward. His refined presence seemed incongruous in the humble setting.

His voice softened to a velvety murmur. "Consider yourself forgiven - given your condition." He began peeling the eggs with meticulous care, masking his unfamiliarity with the task. How could he possibly chastise her?

Her survival alone was miraculous. Finding her had been nothing short of divine intervention.

The silence stretched uncomfortably.

Evelyn broke it first. "Is this the village clinic?"

Preston's lips twitched. His eyes shimmered with amusement as he chuckled.

"No, this is the animal hospital."

Evelyn's smile froze. Her gaze darted involuntarily to the IV drip.

Preston's rich laughter filled the room, his expression tender.

As if reading her thoughts, he reassured, "The medication is perfectly human-grade." His radiant smile left Evelyn momentarily breathless.

Time seemed suspended as their eyes locked. Preston's smile gradually faded, his gaze darkening. His warm breath carried his distinctive cologne as he leaned closer.

Evelyn held her breath unconsciously.

But he stopped mere inches away, instead reaching to tuck a stray lock behind her ear.

The gesture was feather-light. "Thank heaven you're safe, Evelyn."

The alternative didn't bear contemplation.

Evelyn's lashes fluttered. "Why did you come?"

She'd expected no rescuers - certainly not Preston.

Their connection had begun as purely transactional - corporate allies at best.

Even her past heroics saving Oliver Sinclair on European streets had been, in her mind, merely business reciprocity.

She'd felt no guilt securing projects through Preston.

Opportunity met capability - simple economics.

His subsequent emotional investment had caught her off guard.

Until now, she'd never truly believed in Preston's sincerity.