Daniel moved closer, observing Evelyn's stunned expression. His voice was laced with accusation. "Why do you look so shocked, Ms. Rossi? Did you believe Mr. Vance was faking his pain?"

Evelyn hesitated, a turmoil of emotions warring on her face. "It's not that. I simply... hadn't grasped the true severity of his condition."

"Whose fault is that, if not yours and Alexander's?" Daniel retorted with a cold sneer.

Evelyn shot him a sharp glare. Her mind flashed back to the confrontation in The Regal Crestwood lounge. She had stabbed Theodore, convinced it was necessary self-defense against another one of his elaborate traps.

Only later did she learn that Margaret, acting independently, had engineered the entire situation. Theodore himself had punished Margaret severely for her insubordination.

The more Evelyn replayed these events, the more unsettled she grew.

Yet, genuine sympathy for Theodore remained elusive. He had schemed relentlessly to tear her and Alexander apart. In her view, he had reaped what he had sown.

Evelyn chose silence. Daniel, sensing he had overstepped, also fell quiet.

If Theodore decided to make an issue of this later, Daniel would be the one facing the music.

The doctor arrived shortly, administered anesthesia, and began suturing Theodore's wounds.

Evelyn remained a quiet observer throughout the entire procedure.

It felt like an eternity before the doctor finished, producing several bottles of a dark medicinal liquid.

"Apply this while the anesthesia is still active. Be extremely careful not to aggravate the injury," the doctor instructed. A nurse nodded and accepted the bottles. Her gaze lingered on Theodore, who lay pale against the hospital sheets. By now, rumors about Theodore Vance had spread through this floor, but few had pictured him as this young or strikingly handsome.

His well-built physique was evident even in repose, making the nurse's pulse quicken after a single glance.

Clutching the bottle, she felt a thrill of possibility. Winning Theodore's favor could transform her mundane life into one of luxury.

Emboldened by the thought, she settled beside his bed and began carefully applying the medication to his shoulder wound.

"Mr. Vance, does this hurt? I'll be very gentle. Please tell me if you feel any discomfort," she cooed softly.

Theodore fixed her with an icy stare. "The anesthesia hasn't worn off. Why would it hurt?"

The nurse flinched but quickly recovered her composure.

At least he had acknowledged her.

Feeling braver, she subtly rested her other hand on his bare abdomen, hoping to charm him. "Mr. Vance..."

Evelyn watched the scene with detached amusement.

It seemed Theodore never lacked for admirers. If this nurse managed to captivate him, perhaps his relentless pursuit of her would finally cease.

Before the thought could fully form, Theodore suddenly grabbed the nurse's wrist. "Get out!" he snapped.

His sharp command startled both Evelyn and the nurse.

The nurse recovered quickly, forcing a coy smile. "Oh, Mr. Vance, don't be so harsh. You're making my heart race! Here, feel for yourself." She fluttered her eyelashes and tried to guide his hand toward her chest.

She was certain of her appeal. But her confidence shattered in the next instant.

The moment she touched him, Theodore recoiled in clear disgust. He shoved her away forcefully, sending her stumbling backward.

"Don't touch me! Get out of here!" Theodore pushed himself upright, his face contorted with rage. "I never want to see you in this hospital again!"

The nurse let out a terrified whimper and fled.

The sudden movement caused fresh blood to seep through his stitches. The wound strained dangerously, threatening to tear open.

"Mr. Vance!" Daniel lunged forward to steady him. "Mr. Vance, you must lie down! Your wound is reopening."

Theodore leaned back, his face shadowed, breathing ragged.

"Mr. Vance, let me fetch another nurse to properly bandage the wound," Daniel suggested urgently. The injury required more than just stitches and antiseptic; it needed secure dressing.

To Daniel's surprise, Theodore snarled, "Get lost! I don't want any more strangers touching me. Keep them all away!" The mere idea made his skin crawl.

Daniel hesitated, his eyes fixed on the bleeding injury. "Mr. Vance, this is serious. It requires proper care. Neglecting it could lead to complications."

Theodore seemed utterly indifferent, as if the pain belonged to someone else.

With a cold snort, he muttered, "So what? It's not fatal." Throughout the ordeal, his gaze had repeatedly flicked toward Evelyn, watching her covertly. But from start to finish, she had not shown a flicker of concern for him.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Theodore's eyes, followed by a bitter laugh.

"Evelyn, are you just here to watch my downfall? Fine. Is this what you wanted? I don't need anyone's pity."

He shot a fierce glare at Daniel. "Out! All of you, get out!"

Daniel froze, completely baffled by the sudden expulsion. "Mr. Vance, I..."

His words were cut off as Theodore grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.

"Get out!" Theodore roared, his voice thick with fury.

Panicking, Daniel cried out, "Mr. Vance, mind your wound!"

Fearing further outbursts, Daniel quickly ushered Evelyn out. "Alright, Mr. Vance, we're leaving. Please, calm down."

The hospital room door clicked shut. Evelyn stood frozen in the corridor, her mind reeling.

What was wrong with him? Had Theodore completely lost his mind? She hadn't done anything, yet he acted as if she were there to mock him. It was utterly unfair!

Evelyn pressed her lips together, frustration simmering inside.

As infuriating as Theodore was, she couldn't simply abandon the situation.

She was responsible for the wound on his shoulder. If it wasn't treated properly tonight, his recovery could be seriously compromised.

If he died in there, wouldn't that make her culpable? The thought sent a chill down her spine.

She turned to Daniel. "What do we do now?"

Evelyn stared at the closed door, her expression hardening slightly, a flicker of undeniable concern still lingering.

"Theodore's wound hasn't been properly dressed. Leaving him alone like this... something could happen, right?" she continued.

Daniel's face tightened. He glanced at Evelyn, noting her apparent worry, but it struck him as performative.

He bit his tongue for a moment before the sharp words escaped. "Isn't that exactly what you were hoping for?"