Chapter 229

Gabrielle wiped Christian's hands while speaking to Evelyn. "His fingers twitched three times today. His eyelids fluttered twice."

"Could he be in a vegetative state? It's been over four hundred days."

"I massage his muscles daily. At least his physique is maintained. If this continues for years, he'll be skin and bones when he wakes."

The light in Evelyn's eyes dimmed. She had hoped for improvement.

"These are just normal reflexes for coma patients. Unless he sits up and speaks, there's no real progress. But eyelid movement is something. Maybe in three to five years..."

Gabrielle nearly crushed the towel in her hand.

She'd been caring for this sleeping beauty for over a year.

Several more years of this?

Unbearable.

"When he wakes, I'm charging full market rate for nursing care. Not a penny less."

This wasn't charity work.

Though his face was distractingly handsome.

Money mattered more.

Even beauty fades.

Humming, Gabrielle went to draw the children's bath.

Evelyn chuckled at her irritated expression. "Charge whatever. He can afford it."

Gabrielle mentally calculated her fees.

Still uneasy, Evelyn bathed the children, handed them to Gabrielle, and descended to the basement.

Christian lay motionless. The image of the fire and his agonized expression surfaced. She decided to stop investigating.

Some truths were his to uncover.

Checking his pulse, she noted slight strengthening since last month.

But awakening remained distant.

"Christian, ICU costs a fortune daily. Even your wealth has limits. Can you hear me? If so, wake up."

"Hiding solves nothing. If you choose eternal sleep, I'll walk away. I saved you for vengeance."

"Who set the fire?"

"Who caused this pain?"

Evelyn turned to leave.

She missed the tear tracing Christian's temple.

Upstairs, she sent Gabrielle to rest. Cradling both children, she fell asleep.

Three days later.

Evelyn played with the kids in the yard. Sebastian had just left when Zachary rushed in.

"Boss! Vincent is losing it! Their latest dig yielded worthless stones! Harrison's imperial jade sold for 300 million!"

Leaning back on the wicker chair, Evelyn smiled.

Everything proceeded as planned.