Chapter 411

The line went silent for a brief moment before she finally answered, "Understood. I'll freshen up and wait for you."

"Good," Dylan replied sharply, his tone clipped.

With that, he abruptly ended the call, his thumb pressing the red button with deliberate force.

Tucking his phone into his pocket, he turned on his heel and strode away without a backward glance.

Dinner concluded swiftly, leaving Evelyn and Julian with no reason to linger.

They rose from their seats and made their way toward the exit.

As they approached the parking lot, Julian turned to Evelyn. "Dr. Hartley, allow me to drive you home."

Evelyn shook her head gently. "That's very kind, but I can manage on my own."

"But—" Julian hesitated, clearly wanting to insist.

Before he could finish, Evelyn suddenly lost her footing, lurching forward unexpectedly.

Julian reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to grab her arm and pull her against him.

Evelyn's forehead collided with his chest with a dull thud.

"Ouch!" Her nose stung from the impact against his firm torso, her face twisting in discomfort.

"Dr. Hartley, are you all right?" Julian asked, his hands steadying her shoulders, concern etched across his features.

"I'm fine—really," she murmured, though a sharp pain shot through her ankle.

She had stepped on an uneven cobblestone, twisting her foot awkwardly.

Just as Julian bent to examine her injury, a sudden force shoved him aside.

Caught off guard, Julian staggered back several steps before regaining his balance.

Evelyn wobbled precariously, but before she could fall, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a secure embrace.

"Are you hurt?" Nathan demanded, his brow furrowed as he studied her face.

He had just arrived when he saw Julian catching Evelyn mid-fall.

A surge of possessiveness had overtaken him, clouding his judgment.

Driven by irrational jealousy, he had stormed over and pushed Julian away without thinking.

As Nathan held her close, Evelyn stiffened.

She quickly extricated herself from his grasp, her expression guarded. "I'm perfectly fine," she stated coolly.

"Dr. Hartley, let me take you to the hospital," Julian insisted.

Before Evelyn could respond, Nathan cut in, "That won't be necessary."