Chapter 303

The name came to her unexpectedly - Nathan Sterling. Someone had mentioned it in passing, but it struck her like lightning.

From that moment, his name became a permanent scar etched into her soul. A wound that never fully healed.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor.

She happened to save Margaret Winslow, Nathan's grandmother, during one of her charity events.

When Margaret mentioned searching for a suitable wife for her grandson, Evelyn Carter volunteered without hesitation. She became Mrs. Sterling overnight.

Three years of marriage flashed before her eyes like a poorly edited film reel. Every painful memory served as punishment for her foolish decision.

Yet after all this time, she still couldn't comprehend why Nathan had completely forgotten their shared past.

Evelyn's eyelids fluttered weakly before opening to the sterile white ceiling.

The sharp scent of antiseptic assaulted her senses. It had all been a terrible dream.

"Evelyn, thank God you're awake."

Harrison Whitmore's relieved voice reached her ears. She managed a weak smile in his direction.

"Harrison... what happened?"

"You've been out for three days." His grip on her hand tightened. "You gave us quite the scare. The doctors weren't sure when you'd wake up."

Fragmented memories surfaced - a sharp pain in her neck, then darkness. "Someone... they drugged me." The realization made her shiver.

Dominic Kingsley entered just then. "Don't worry. We've apprehended your attacker. But this goes deeper than we initially thought."

Evelyn frowned. "Sterling Enterprises?"

Dominic shook his head. "They wouldn't dare."

Then who?

The silent exchange between Dominic and Harrison didn't escape her notice.

"We'll handle this," Dominic said firmly. "Your only job is to recover. Leave everything else to us."

"But-"

Harrison squeezed her hand. "Your health comes first. Everything else can wait."

Reluctantly, Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

Harrison changed the subject. "The Summit Corporation deal is nearly finalized. Once you're discharged, we can proceed with signing."

"That's good news," Evelyn acknowledged. "We should monitor the project closely though."

Harrison hesitated before adding, "There's something else... Nathan's been waiting outside since you were admitted. Do you want to see him?"

Evelyn's expression remained impassive at the mention of his name.

"No. Send him away."

"Understood." Harrison respected her decision without question.

Turning toward the window, Evelyn watched sunlight filter through the blinds. She had willingly walked into this heartbreak. Now she would walk out of it with her dignity intact.

...

One week later

Evelyn's hospital room had become a revolving door of important visitors - the mayor, government officials, various business magnates.

Dominic intercepted them all.

After seven days of uninterrupted rest, Evelyn was finally discharged. The crisp autumn air greeted her as she stepped outside, ready to face whatever came next.