"No, that can't be right..."

Olivia Martinez stammered, her voice trembling with shock.

To her absolute horror, Alexander Blackwood's assistant lifted his hand, giving a silent, icy command. Two men in dark suits immediately stepped forward.

"You have your instructions. Ensure this nurse is permanently barred from employment in any medical facility," the assistant stated, his tone devoid of emotion.

Olivia's face went pale. Driven by panic, she clasped her hands together in a frantic gesture of supplication. "Please! I made a mistake! Don't blacklist me! I didn't know... I had no idea she was Mrs. Blackwood."

Tears streamed down her face as she turned desperately toward Evelyn. Her body almost bent into a bow. "Mrs. Blackwood, please forgive me! I failed to recognize you. I beg your pardon. I swear it will never happen again!"

Evelyn observed Olivia's tear-stained face and felt a stir of compassion. She pressed her lips together briefly. "Release her. She was merely performing her duties to maintain hospital security," she said softly.

Hearing Evelyn's merciful intercession, the assistant shifted his posture. "As you wish, Mrs. Blackwood."

He then addressed Olivia again. "You are fortunate that Mrs. Blackwood is so gracious. Do not test this leniency again. Leave now, and ensure you cause no further disruption."

With that, he turned back to Evelyn and respectfully held open the door to the hospital room. "Mrs. Blackwood, after you. I will personally guarantee your privacy."

Olivia didn't hesitate. Her face ashen, she retreated as quietly and quickly as she could. Only when she was a safe distance away did she allow herself a shaky exhale of relief.

As the day's events replayed in her mind, a potent mix of humiliation and rage ignited within her.

So that woman was Alexander's wife.

The sheer audacity, to be entangled with both Alexander Blackwood and Theodore Vance, two of the most eligible men!

Olivia gritted her teeth, her eyes clouding with venomous intent. She had already vowed to make Evelyn pay for yesterday's humiliation. Now, after this fresh insult, her determination was absolute.

Her mind began whirring, plotting a way to make Evelyn regret ever crossing her path.

Evelyn entered Alexander's hospital room, carrying a thermos.

Alexander was reclining on the bed, looking completely relaxed. The moment he saw her, his face brightened with a warm, genuine smile.

"What was that commotion outside? Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Evelyn walked to his bedside and placed the thermos on the table. "It was nothing important," she replied dismissively.

She saw no need to bother him with the minor altercation.

With smooth, practiced movements, she began to unscrew the thermos lid, preparing to serve him a bowl of the homemade chicken soup she had brought.

But before she could pour, Alexander's expression changed. He reached out and gently took hold of her hand, his gaze fixed on the burn mark visible on her arm. "Evelyn. How did you get this injury?"

Caught by surprise, Evelyn faltered. In the rush of dealing with Olivia, she had forgotten to cover the burn.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, to hide the evidence, but Alexander was faster.

Carefully avoiding the wound itself, he secured her wrist, his eyes searching hers with deep concern. "Tell me honestly. When did this happen? How?"

Her hand had been perfectly fine last night, and there had been no issue when she left Serenity Oaks that morning. Under the weight of Alexander's earnest gaze, Evelyn sighed softly and offered a small, rueful smile. "I burned myself while preparing the soup. It's truly nothing serious. I've already applied ointment."

Trying to lighten the mood, she gave her captured hand a slight, playful shake, hinting for him to release it. "Now, let me serve you some soup."

But Alexander did not let go. His grip remained firm, his expression filled with unwavering concern. "You shouldn't have to do this, Evelyn. The staff can handle it. There is no need for you to go to such trouble."