Chapter 943

The doctor's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Ms. Montgomery's vitals are stable, though traces of the injected substances remain in her system. Full recovery should take approximately eight to nine hours. She's running a slight fever, but the medication we administered will reduce it shortly."

Evelyn Sinclair and Natalie Beaumont exchanged relieved glances.

Their timely intervention had clearly made the difference.

Once the medical staff departed, the two women settled into chairs beside Isabella's hospital bed, observing their friend's restless state.

Even unconscious, Isabella was muttering curses directed at Donovan Pierce. Words like "filthy bastard" and "rot in hell" slipped through her feverish lips.

Evelyn and Natalie shared an amused look. Most people would be devastated after such an ordeal. But not Isabella Montgomery - her mind immediately turned to vengeance!

Less than thirty minutes later, Preston Sinclair returned bearing food.

Evelyn noted the distinctive packaging from Le Ciel Privé - an exclusive eatery where reservations typically required months of advance notice. Yet Preston had somehow convinced them to prepare a midnight meal?

Before she could voice her surprise, Natalie's sharp eyes caught the logo. "Isn't this place booked solid for the next six months? How did you manage this?"

Preston's expression remained composed, though warmth flickered in his gaze. "Everyone's been through an ordeal tonight, especially our patient here. I thought you all deserved proper sustenance." He set the containers on the side table. "The owner happens to be an old friend. Made two portions - one for when Ms. Montgomery wakes, and another for you ladies now."

Evelyn couldn't help the swell of pride at her boyfriend's thoughtfulness.

Natalie appeared visibly moved, clearly reconsidering her previous warnings to Evelyn about being cautious with Preston. The Wall Street tycoon even went so far as to arrange the cutlery, stopping just short of hand-feeding Evelyn.

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks. This level of attention would have been embarrassing enough in private, but with Natalie witnessing everything? Did the man possess no sense of restraint?

"Let's eat before it gets cold," Evelyn said quickly, avoiding Preston's gaze.

Natalie took her seat with deliberate calm, arching an eyebrow at Evelyn's flushed face. "You're looking rather feverish yourself. Should we call the doctor back?"

Preston paused mid-motion, studying Evelyn with sudden concern. She shot Natalie a glare. "It's just warm in here. Eat your food."

As Natalie complied with exaggerated innocence, Preston's lips curved into a knowing smile. Had they been alone, he would have teased her mercilessly about that blush.

After the meal, Preston efficiently cleared the containers. Though Evelyn suggested he return home, he refused, equally unwilling to leave her side. He knew better than to ask Evelyn to abandon Isabella, so he settled for catching some rest in the adjacent room.

At dawn, Preston returned with fresh clothes for Evelyn, finding her dozing in a recliner. He hesitated to wake her, content to simply watch - as though memorizing every detail of her peaceful expression.

Isabella's fever had broken overnight, leaving her restless but alert. The first thing she saw upon waking was Preston's lovestruck gaze fixed on Evelyn.

Her groan shattered the tranquil moment. "Must you two be so disgustingly adorable?"

The sound startled both women awake, ending the peaceful interlude.