Chapter 283

Evelyn pulled out her phone, only to realize she had erased all traces of Dominic from her contacts.

Her gaze flicked to Sophia, the only person who could help now.

Sophia, having worked for Dominic for years, understood instantly. She scrolled through her phone, found his number, and dialed.

The call connected almost immediately. Dominic's voice, laced with amusement, came through. "Sophia? Changed your mind already?"

Silence. Was he seriously this delusional? Evelyn snatched the phone. "Dom."

"Evelyn?" His tone shifted instantly, brightening. "What's going on?"

He checked the caller ID again—Sophia's number. So they were together.

"Your little fling is at Mercy General. OB-GYN wing. Get over here and pay her damn surgery deposit." She rattled off the address and hung up before he could respond.

Sophia blinked, then grinned, giving Evelyn an impressed thumbs-up.

On the other end, Dominic barely registered the past grievances. His mind snagged on one thing—surgery deposit? Who? What surgery? But Evelyn had reached out. That meant there was still a chance.

He could move on his own now, though the wheelchair was a nuisance. The hospital wouldn’t discharge him without assistance, so he called his aide, irritation flaring.

Evelyn only remembered after hanging up—Dominic had been in that car accident. He was still hospitalized. Not her problem. She’d only called out of basic human decency.

She turned to leave, but Sophia’s phone chimed. A transfer notification. Dominic had sent $3,000, along with a message: Whoever it is, cover the costs. I’ll be there soon.

Evelyn and Sophia exchanged a look.

Whoever it is?

How many women did he have on standby?

"Evelyn… what do I do with this?" Sophia stared at the sudden influx of cash.

Evelyn had planned to leave after the call, but now? Taking his money and bolting felt wrong.

"Fine. At least he paid up first," she muttered, changing her mind.

If he was coming, she’d wait. She wanted answers. What game were these two playing?

The deposit was settled quickly. True to his word, Dominic arrived—still in a wheelchair, looking like hell.

He’d considered making himself presentable, but maybe pathetic would work better. Back when they were together, the slightest sniffle had Evelyn fussing over him—tea, medicine, homemade soup.

People never appreciated what they had until it was gone.

From a distance, Dominic studied Evelyn. She looked… different.

Before, she’d been all practicality—minimal makeup, hair in a ponytail, perpetually in a lab coat.

Now? A cashmere sweater hugged her frame, paired with tailored trousers. A trench coat draped effortlessly over her shoulders, her hair loose, waves catching the light. Simple, but undeniably expensive.

The unfamiliarity unsettled him. This wasn’t the reunion he’d imagined.