My shoulder is screaming in agony.

Theodore Vance instantly contorted his face into a mask of suffering. He made no attempt to hide his weakness from her.

"This pain is unbearable. It started last night. I can only lie flat on my back, completely unable to move. I haven't slept properly for days."

In that moment, all his usual bravado about his toughness was forgotten.

He knew he couldn't always project an image of invincibility in front of the woman he desired.

Sometimes, showing a little fragility was the key to winning Evelyn's sympathy.

And Theodore's gamble paid off.

Evelyn saw the dark shadows under his eyes and believed him completely.

She had witnessed the severity of his injuries firsthand. The doctor had warned that the pain could intensify at night.

The knowledge that she was the indirect cause of Theodore's suffering filled Evelyn with a deep sense of guilt.

"Perhaps you should try to rest during the day?" Evelyn suggested softly.

Theodore shook his head. "Resting during the day is impossible. That's when you come to see me."

Evelyn pressed her lips together and quickly changed the subject. "Wasn't your wound dressing supposed to be changed today? Has a nurse seen to it?"

Theodore feigned ignorance. "Was it? I didn't remember."

Evelyn was speechless.

She didn't believe his excuse for a second.

If he had genuinely forgotten, his assistant would surely have reminded him.

It was clear he had refused the nurse's help on purpose.

Understanding his intention, Evelyn decided not to challenge him further. "I'll change the dressing for you."

She had done it before.

A grateful smile spread across Theodore's face. "Thank you."

Evelyn walked to the table and searched through the medical kit. "You're out of medication. I'll go to the pharmacy to get more. Wait here."

Theodore felt uneasy about her going alone. "Let one of my men handle it."

"It's fine. I know exactly what's needed. I won't be long." With that, Evelyn left the room.

She preferred the errand to being alone with Theodore.

Soon, Evelyn arrived at the hospital pharmacy.

"Hello, I'm here to pick up the prescribed medications for Theodore Vance," Evelyn said, handing over the prescription.

The nurse on duty, Olivia Martinez, who was covering for a colleague, looked up and recognized Evelyn.

Olivia had been reassigned here after being expelled from Alexander Blackwood's private room.

Seeing Evelyn again was the last thing she expected!

Behind her surgical mask, Olivia's lips twisted into a bitter scowl, her eyes burning with resentment.

"Alright," she said in a low voice, taking the prescription and scanning the list of medications.

They were all for treating Theodore's external injuries.

Olivia seethed inwardly. How dare this woman, who was supposed to be Alexander's wife, be so involved with Theodore!

How could she juggle two powerful men like this?

Olivia, who had once tried and failed to win Theodore's favor and had been humiliated, found the situation utterly unjust.

Clenching her teeth, Olivia resolved to make Evelyn pay.

A malicious idea sparked in her mind, bringing a sly, cruel smile to her lips.

As she prepared the medications, Olivia seized a moment when Evelyn glanced away to quickly switch the label on one of the bottles.

"Evelyn, you're going to regret this," Olivia muttered under her breath.