Chapter 438

Evelyn sighed softly. "There's a strict policy at our hospital - all surgeons must eat in the cafeteria before operations. But that morning, I had the breakfast you so lovingly prepared at home. I ended up violating the rule."

"What?" Grace's eyes widened in disbelief. "Your hospital actually enforces such a regulation?"

"Yes," Evelyn confirmed with a gentle nod.

"Oh darling!" Grace's hands flew to her cheeks. "If there was such a rule, you should have skipped my breakfast! Now look what happened - not only did you have an allergic reaction, but you're facing consequences too. I feel absolutely terrible!" Her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

Evelyn reached out to comfort her. "Mother, please don't blame yourself. You woke up at dawn to make me that meal. How could I possibly refuse your kindness? None of us knew about my artichoke allergy. Without that, everything would have been fine. This isn't your fault at all."

With tender care, Evelyn dabbed at Grace's tear-streaked face with a tissue.

Sniffling, Grace spoke with heartfelt sincerity. "Evelyn, I take full responsibility! I promise this will never happen again. Starting today, our household will be completely free of seafood and artichokes."

A warm smile touched Evelyn's lips. "That's not necessary, Mother. The rest of you should enjoy whatever you like. Don't restrict yourselves because of me."

"Absolutely not!" Grace declared with sudden fierceness. "Those things harmed my precious daughter! Our entire family now despises them - we'll never touch such ingredients again!" Her voice trembled with protective anger.

Evelyn simply pressed her lips together in a quiet smile, choosing not to argue further.

"Sweetheart, are you thirsty? Let me get you some water," Grace offered gently.

"That would be lovely," Evelyn agreed.

Grace rose gracefully, taking the glass in her delicate hands as she moved toward the water dispenser. As she turned away, the faintest hint of a satisfied smile played at the corners of her mouth.

After spending some additional time with Evelyn, Grace finally gathered her things and departed with the empty lunch container.

Not long after, a firm knock sounded at the hospital room door.

The door swung open to reveal a tall, imposing figure silhouetted in the doorway.

Evelyn's breath caught as her pupils dilated sharply at the unexpected visitor.

It was Nathan.

Before she could utter a word, Nathan's assistant, Walter, entered carrying a thick stack of documents. Evelyn blinked in confusion. What was happening?

Walter placed the papers neatly on the side table, nodded respectfully to both Nathan and Evelyn, then discreetly exited the room.

"Nathan," Evelyn began cautiously, her brow furrowing slightly. "What brings you here?"