Chapter 68

Evelyn retrieved her phone, fingers hovering over the contacts app as she prepared to add Serena’s number.

Serena’s polite smile tightened almost imperceptibly, though her voice remained smooth. "That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Black. But I appreciate the gesture."

Evelyn arched a brow, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Oh? Why the hesitation, Miss Cole?" Her tone dripped with playful challenge as she met Serena’s gaze. "Unless, of course, only Nathan’s attention can cure what ails you?"

For a fraction of a second, Serena’s carefully constructed composure cracked. A flicker of irritation crossed her features before she schooled them back into serenity.

"Absolutely not!" Serena replied swiftly, though the forced lightness in her voice betrayed her. She offered a practiced smile and extended her phone. "But since you insist, I’d be happy to exchange numbers. Here’s mine..."

Evelyn saved the contact and immediately dialed to verify it. The sharp ring of Serena’s phone echoed between them before she ended the call. "Perfect. Now, Miss Cole, if you ever feel unwell—day or night—don’t hesitate to call."

"Thank you, Mrs. Black," Serena said, her smile tight.

"My pleasure," Evelyn replied sweetly.

When Nathan returned with medication for Serena’s fever, he watched her swallow the pills before leaving with Evelyn.

From the window, Serena observed their retreating figures, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. She had underestimated Evelyn.

This wasn’t the timid woman she remembered. Evelyn was now a rival—sharp, cunning, and unafraid to fight for Nathan. If Serena didn’t act soon, she risked losing him completely.

A steely resolve hardened in her eyes.

The next morning, in the Cardiac Surgery Department of Grand Pines General Hospital, Evelyn assisted Deputy Chief Physician Vivian Cross during rounds. As they entered a patient’s room, Evelyn’s gaze landed on a poised middle-aged woman seated by the window.

The woman stood gracefully. "Dr. Cross."

"Mrs. Sharma," Vivian acknowledged with a nod.

Raj Patel, the patient in the bed, remained asleep. He was the man who had collapsed at Evelyn’s welcome banquet weeks ago. After discussing Raj’s condition and upcoming surgery with Priya, Vivian and her team moved on.

Once rounds concluded, Evelyn doubled back to Raj’s room alone. She knocked lightly before entering.

Priya looked up, surprise flickering across her face. "Is something wrong with my husband’s condition, Doctor?"