Chapter 276

"Uncle Nathaniel! You're back!" Sophia immediately sprang up from the hospital bed to make space for Nathaniel the moment she spotted him entering.

Her cheerful expression faltered when she noticed Amelia trailing behind him. Instinctively, she glanced at Evelyn to gauge her reaction.

Evelyn's face remained impassive, showing no visible change in emotion.

"Did you just wake up?"

Nathaniel approached the bedside with measured steps. His posture was impeccable, hands tucked casually into his trouser pockets. His gaze, cool and unreadable, settled on her.

"Yes." Evelyn nodded briefly, meeting Nathaniel's striking eyes before shifting her attention to Amelia standing beside him.

Nathaniel seemed to anticipate her unspoken question. He turned slightly toward Amelia before addressing Evelyn in a softened tone. "She wanted to see you."

Sophia, standing off to the side, let out an almost imperceptible scoff.

Amelia, like Evelyn, was clad in a loose hospital gown. A bandage wrapped around her forehead accentuated her delicate frame, making her appear even more fragile—the very image of someone in need of tender care.

Yet, there was no trace of arrogance in her demeanor. She stepped forward with an easy smile, concern lacing her voice. "Nathaniel mentioned you were hospitalized due to allergies. I was worried, so I came along to check on you. How are you feeling now?"

Evelyn responded politely, "Thank you for your concern. I'm much better. What about you, Miss Amelia? You seem injured as well. Are you alright?"

Amelia touched the bandage on her forehead with a resigned sigh. "It's nothing serious—just a minor car accident. A scrape on the head, really. But my family insisted I stay for observation. They can be so overprotective!" Her tone carried playful exasperation, as if she were helpless against their doting.

That very helplessness, however, subtly underscored how cherished she was—someone who had never lacked love or comfort in her life.

Evelyn offered a faint smile but said nothing.

Amelia glanced around the room, her expression shifting to mild confusion. "Where’s your family, Evelyn? Shouldn’t they be here with you?"

Evelyn’s expression darkened slightly at the question.

Family? I don’t have one. Only recently had she discovered Gregory wasn’t her biological father, which meant even Cassandra, whom she’d always considered her half-sister, shared no blood with her. And the Whitmores in the countryside? They were strangers now.

In truth, she had no relatives left.

Evelyn remained silent, but Sophia stepped in, her tone defensive. "That’s a strange question, Miss Amelia. Uncle Nathaniel and I are her family. We’re right here with her!"

Amelia blinked innocently. "Oh, you misunderstood me, Sophia. Of course, you and Nathaniel are her family. I just meant—shouldn’t her own relatives be here too?"

Sophia, unaware of Evelyn’s complicated past, frowned. "We’re enough. No need to trouble anyone else."

Amelia shook her head gently. "But keeping it from them isn’t right. Allergies this severe must be uncomfortable. Having loved ones nearby would help her recover faster."

Sophia hesitated, then turned to Evelyn. "Would you like your family to come? Should Uncle Nathaniel arrange for someone to bring them?"

Evelyn shook her head. "It’s just a minor issue. I’ll be fine in a few days. No need to bother them."

Sophia nodded obediently and dropped the subject.

Amelia, however, wasn’t satisfied. She turned to Nathaniel with a worried expression. "Even if Evelyn says it’s nothing, I still think her family should be informed."