Chapter 242

Evelyn examined Gabrielle's swollen foot with clinical precision. "That's not a ligament tear," she stated matter-of-factly. "Just a bone displacement from the sprain. I can reset it without surgery if you'll let me."

Gabrielle's tear-streaked face twisted in disbelief. "Not torn? Don't be absurd, Evelyn! Are you saying the ER doctors got it wrong?" Her voice cracked with pain and indignation. "Since when did you get a medical degree?"

Without waiting for permission, Evelyn moved toward the foot of the hospital bed. Her fingers barely grazed Gabrielle's ankle when the injured woman jerked away violently, crying out from the sudden movement.

"Don't touch me!" Gabrielle gasped, clutching the sheets. "Benjamin, stop her!"

Benjamin snapped out of his daze and stepped between them. "She's scared enough without you making it worse," he said, though his voice lacked conviction. The memory of Evelyn saving his life still weighed on him.

Evelyn locked eyes with Benjamin, her gaze unwavering. "I'm serious. One adjustment and she'll be walking normally." She tilted her head. "Don't you want to see your precious Gabrielle healed?"

Something in her certainty made Benjamin hesitate. He turned to Gabrielle. "Maybe we should—"

"Are you insane?" Gabrielle shrieked, her face flushing with anger. "Look at what she's done to me already!"

Evelyn had no patience for theatrics. She shoved Benjamin forward. "Hold her down," she ordered.

Before anyone could react, Benjamin found himself pinning Gabrielle's thrashing limbs to the bed. Evelyn seized the injured ankle and with two sharp twists and an audible pop, it was over.

Gabrielle's scream could have shattered glass.

The room erupted into chaos as everyone rushed forward. Evelyn stepped back calmly, producing a tissue to meticulously clean each finger.

Benjamin helped a sobbing Gabrielle sit up. "Can you move it?" he asked urgently.

"I can't feel anything!" Gabrielle wailed, fresh tears streaming down her face. "She's crippled me! Are you happy now?"

Benjamin whirled on Evelyn, fury darkening his features. "You said you could help her!"

Evelyn ignored him, tossing the used tissue aside. Then, with deliberate nonchalance, she pulled something small and fuzzy from her pocket and flung it at Gabrielle.

The object landed in Gabrielle's lap mid-sob. She looked down—and screamed bloody murder, leaping off the bed with surprising agility to hide behind Benjamin. "A rat! Get it away!"

Benjamin stood frozen, not at the sight of the rodent, but at the realization that Gabrielle had just jumped three feet on her "crippled" foot.