Chapter 132

The murmurs were cut short when Nathan set his glass down with deliberate precision. The sharp clink echoed through the room.

"Let me make one thing clear," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "If I hear another baseless accusation against Evelyn Hartley, there will be consequences."

A chill ran through the crowd.

Serena’s nails dug into her palms.

Since when had Nathan become Evelyn’s shield?

And why did that thought make her blood boil?

A smirk curled Dylan's lips, his eyes glinting with derision. "Evelyn's abrupt entry immediately stirred resentment among the other doctors since she skipped the usual merit-based selection. At the Caldwell family's banquet, Ethan mentioned Evelyn was joining Grandins General Hospital, and everyone practically hailed her as a prodigy—young, brilliant, and full of potential." He scoffed. "Looking back now, it's obvious the Caldwells pulled strings to get her in."

After a deliberate pause, he added, "Now, the situation has blown up. People are furious. Evelyn will likely be fired soon. And once dismissed from Grandins? Good luck finding another hospital willing to take her."

Nathan's sharp gaze darkened imperceptibly, his expression unreadable, though something dangerous flickered in his eyes.

He already knew from Lila how Evelyn had secured her position, but he hadn’t expected backlash this severe. Someone was clearly orchestrating this behind the scenes.

Serena turned to Nathan, her brow creased with concern. "Is it really that bad? Nathan, you have to step in and help her."

Dylan rolled his eyes. "Help? This is Grandins' internal affair. No one can interfere."

"I can't wait to see how this plays out," another man chimed in eagerly, his eyes alight with anticipation.

Alexander observed the smug expressions around him, his own face carefully neutral.

They wanted to see Evelyn fail? They’d be sorely disappointed.

He knew Sebastian was aware of Evelyn’s true identity. There was no way he’d let her be dismissed. If anything, he’d go out of his way to protect her.

"Enough about her," Dylan said dismissively, clearly eager to change the subject.

The group swiftly moved on, their chatter shifting to other topics.

After dinner, someone suggested heading to a bar, and the group, still buzzing with energy, agreed to continue the night at Nostalgia Lounge.

Coincidentally, Evelyn was there too.

Alexander spotted her first. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips before he turned to Nathan. "Evelyn's here. Should we invite her to join us?"

At his words, Nathan glanced in Evelyn’s direction but said nothing. His silence was answer enough.

"I'll get her," Alexander said, rising smoothly and making his way toward her booth.

When Evelyn noticed him approaching, surprise flickered across her face. "You guys are here too?" Her voice was light, laced with faint amusement.

Alexander nodded, offering her a warm smile. "Come join us."