Chapter 109

The aftermath of the surgery was a blur of debriefs and hushed admiration, but Evelyn barely registered it. Her mind was already elsewhere—on the next case, the next life to save.

Yet as she peeled off her gloves, a familiar voice cut through the murmurs.

“Impressive work, Dr. Hartley.”

She turned. Nathan Black leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips.

Evelyn’s spine stiffened. “I don’t recall inviting an audience.”

“Lucky for you, I’m hard to refuse.” His gaze flicked to the gallery, where Dominic still stood, staring. “Though I’m not the only one fascinated by your… technique.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Nathan?”

He pushed off the door, stepping closer. “Dinner. Tonight. You operate like a machine—when was the last time you ate?”

A beat of silence. Then—

“Fine. But I pick the place.”

His grin widened. “Deal.”

As he sauntered away, Evelyn exhaled. She’d walked into that one.

But beneath the irritation, a traitorous thought flickered: This is a bad idea.

And yet—she couldn’t wait.

The moment Evelyn Hartley and Gabriella Vega stepped out of the private passage, having changed out of their surgical scrubs, a voice called out sharply behind them.

"Star."

Evelyn's fingers twitched at the sound. Slowly, she turned, her expression carefully blank.

Lila Sinclair stood there, her face alight with excitement, her manicured fingers clutching the hem of her white coat.

Evelyn’s glasses—crafted from specialized materials to alter the shape of her eyes—gave the illusion of rounder, softer features. Combined with the loose-fitting attire that concealed her figure, she was confident Lila wouldn’t recognize her.

Gabriella moved forward instinctively, shielding Evelyn slightly as she asked coolly, "Can we help you?"

Lila didn’t hesitate. "Star, you're my idol! I’ve admired you for years. It would be an honor—no, a dream—to become your apprentice. Please, will you take me under your wing?"

Evelyn nearly choked.

Lila Sinclair—her stepsister, the girl who had spent years belittling her—was now begging to be her student? The irony was so rich Evelyn had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. Even Gabriella’s lips twitched, though she schooled her expression quickly.

"I don’t take apprentices," Evelyn said flatly.

Lila’s face fell, but she pressed on. "Please, just consider it! I graduated top of my class, I’ve assisted in dozens of surgeries—"

Evelyn held up a hand, silencing her. "Save your credentials. I don’t care."

Lila’s cheeks flushed. "But—"

"Even if I did take students," Evelyn continued, her gaze deliberately lingering on Lila’s badge, "you wouldn’t be one of them."

Lila stiffened. "Why not?"

Evelyn smirked. "Read your badge. The answer’s right there."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, Gabriella falling into step beside her.

Behind them, Lila stood frozen, her fingers curling into fists. She glanced down at the word emblazoned on her badge—Intern—and seethed.

She hated that title.

News of Star’s appearance at Grandview General Hospital spread like wildfire.

A single post detailing her four-and-a-half-hour aortic dissection surgery went viral within minutes. Attached was a photo—taken in the hospital parking lot—showing Star’s profile, her features slightly blurred, but Gabriella Vega beside her unmistakably clear.

The internet exploded.

"That’s Star?! She looks so young! Early twenties, max!"

"The rumors were true—she really is under thirty!"

"A literal genius. How is someone that young this skilled?"

Evelyn scrolled through the comments, lips curving in amusement.

Let them speculate.

The game had only just begun.