Chapter 490

Evelyn Sinclair had just settled into bed when her phone buzzed urgently. It was Teddy calling. Her heart leaped into her throat as she grabbed her purse and sprinted out the door.

Guilt gnawed at her when she pictured Nathan Blackwood's injured leg.

If his limp became permanent because of her actions, she'd carry that burden forever.

Marcus drove like a man possessed, cutting the usual twenty-minute trip in half.

They arrived at Highland Estates in record time. Evelyn barely crossed the threshold before Teddy came rushing toward her, panic written across his face.

"Ms. Sinclair! Mr. Blackwood took a terrible fall down the staircase!"

Her stomach dropped. "Is he—"

"He's running a high fever and unconscious now!" Teddy wrung his hands.

Evelyn's pulse hammered against her ribs. "Did you call a doctor?"

Teddy hesitated just a beat too long. "Yes, but... there was an accident en route. The physician will be delayed."

Without another word, Evelyn marched toward Nathan's bedroom.

The sight that greeted her stole her breath. Nathan lay motionless, his usually tanned complexion ghostly pale. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. His breathing came shallow and rapid.

A massive Siberian tiger—Leo—paced anxiously at the foot of the bed, occasionally gnawing on Nathan's abandoned cane.

"How does a simple fall cause this?" Evelyn frowned.

Teddy shifted from foot to foot. "Ms. Sinclair, you must stay. Mr. Blackwood only calms for you."

Against her better judgment, Evelyn reached out.

The moment her fingers brushed his burning forehead, an iron grip clamped around her wrist. Nathan's eyes flew open—dark, intense, and swimming with feverish confusion.

"Evelyn." His voice scraped raw. "You came."

She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"I'm responsible for your injury," she said coolly. "That's all."

Nathan's expression darkened. His jaw clenched.

"Good." His tone softened unnaturally. "Having you here... comforts me."

His eyelids fluttered shut, but not before Evelyn caught a dangerous glint in his gaze.

Teddy hovered nearby with ice packs and towels. "We need to bring his fever down, Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn nodded and moved to step aside, but Teddy thrust the supplies into her hands instead.

"The doctor's still delayed—I must fetch him myself!" He bolted before she could protest.

Evelyn turned to Marcus, who stood sentinel in the corner.

"Miss, allow me—"

Before she could respond, Nathan's hand shot out again, fingers digging into her wrist. His eyes burned with startling clarity.

"No." His voice turned glacial. "I don't need treatment. And I won't have anyone else touching me."

The glare he leveled at Marcus could have melted steel.

Evelyn hesitated, then nodded at her bodyguard. "Go assist Teddy."

The moment the door clicked shut, an oppressive silence blanketed the room.

Evelyn exhaled sharply and reached for the ice pack. "Let me help you."

Nathan's lips curved into a satisfied smile that didn't reach his eyes.