Chapter 445

Evelyn's fingertips trembled slightly as they brushed against Ethan's hand.

His broad palm radiated warmth, his long fingers making hers appear delicate in comparison. She could barely wrap her hand around four of his fingers, her thumb resting lightly on his knuckles.

The sterile scent of disinfectant mingled with osmanthus drifting through the window.

Her gaze lingered on Ethan's pale face. His thick lashes cast shadows beneath his eyes, and his usually vibrant lips had lost their color.

Memories flooded her mind.

That rainy night outside White Rock Village when he'd approached her under a black umbrella. The bustling streets of Cambridge where he always positioned himself between her and traffic. How his eyes never left her whenever she turned to look at him.

All those unnoticed details had been his silent confession.

"Ethan..." she whispered, her voice softening without realizing it.

Her fingertip absently traced circles on his palm. She remembered the library where he'd guided her hand to practice calligraphy, his warm breath making her pulse race.

Evelyn lowered her head, pressing her cheek against his hand.

"You know," she murmured, "I was never afraid to be alone with you."

The hospital curtain fluttered as sunlight danced across the floor. The heart monitor beeped steadily like a quiet response.

Three hours later at Cambridge International Airport.

Victoria paced near the arrivals gate, gripping her purse strap. When Evelyn appeared, she rushed forward.

"Evelyn!"

Her mother's familiar perfume enveloped her as they embraced. Evelyn felt Victoria's shoulders trembling.

"Mom, I'm okay," she reassured softly, then met Richard's red-rimmed eyes.

The five Langley brothers swarmed around them with questions. Julian lingered at the periphery, hesitating to speak.

Nearby, Vincent Sullivan leaned against a pillar, his assessing gaze sweeping over Evelyn. Satisfied she was unharmed, the older man exhaled quietly before approaching the ambulance.

"Brat," he muttered to Ethan on the stretcher, "if you're going to fake sleep, at least do it convincingly. Your smirk's obvious."

Ethan's lashes fluttered almost imperceptibly.