Chapter 210

Nathan felt a cold sweat break out across his brow. His left hand gripped his right forearm tightly, but the trembling wouldn't stop.

The fountain pen clattered to the marble floor.

Evelyn noticed his strange behavior immediately. Her sharp eyes studied him with clinical precision.

Nathan looked utterly exhausted. His usually immaculate dark hair was disheveled, his tailored suit wrinkled with dust. Even his collar and cuffs showed signs of grime.

What had happened to him? Why did he look like he'd been through a war?

Evelyn's curiosity burned. She bent gracefully to retrieve the pen, sliding it back across the polished table.

When the final signatures were in place, the clerk stamped their divorce certificates with practiced efficiency.

It was done. Their marriage officially dissolved in thirty seconds flat.

"May you both find happiness in your new lives," the clerk recited mechanically.

Outside City Hall, Evelyn examined the embossed document with unexpected detachment.

The prolonged legal battle had dulled the sharp pain she'd felt when Nathan first demanded the divorce. Now, only relief remained.

Love had once made her compromise everything. Now free, she could focus entirely on rebuilding her empire.

Men were officially off the menu.

"Mr. Blackwood, I have other engagements. We'll part ways here. Goodbye."

Evelyn tucked the certificate into her designer handbag and turned toward the stone steps.

"Evelyn, wait—"

A sickening thud interrupted him.

She whirled around, her breath catching.

Nathan lay sprawled across the steps, his face contorted in pain.

Though only five steps, the fall looked brutal.

"Nathan!"

Evelyn rushed to his side, noticing his violent tremors had worsened.

"You've been unwell since we arrived. What's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing." Beads of sweat dotted his ashen forehead. He stubbornly refused to explain.

"Tell me right now!" Her medical training kicked in, voice sharp with authority.

Every muscle screamed in protest as Nathan struggled to focus. Her concern sent an unexpected warmth through his chest.

"Do you actually care what happens to me?"

Evelyn's lips curled in derision. "I'd stop for a wounded stray. Basic human decency requires nothing less."

Nathan's pallor darkened. He pushed her away weakly. "Save your pity. I don't want it."

"You need medical attention. Uncontrolled falls indicate cerebellar dysfunction." Her professional tone brooked no argument.

"Is this about the divorce? Do you hate me so much you'd wish neurological damage upon me?" His icy glare could freeze lava.

"Don't flatter yourself." Her hollow laugh held no mirth. "I'm thrilled to be rid of you. Didn't you hear the clerk? 'Happy independent lives' sounds perfect to me. Since you're clearly fine, I'll take my leave. Do try not to concuss yourself on the way out."

Nathan's vision swam with red-hot anger.

The moment Evelyn released him, his legs buckled again, sending them crashing together.

Her voluptuous curves molded against his hardened frame. His traitorous hands found her cinched waist, fingers trembling against the scarlet silk.

Rational thought evaporated.

"Remove your hands before I remove them for you!"

Evelyn's dagger-sharp glare promised violence. "My pet alligator needs new chew toys."