Chapter 525

The tweezers plunged deep into his flesh, and with one sharp tug, the bullet came free.

Blood immediately welled up from Dominic's shoulder, staining the sheets beneath him.

Evelyn pressed a wad of gauze firmly against the wound, her fingers steady despite the urgency.

She reached for her acupuncture needles, inserting them with practiced precision into the pressure points around the injury.

Almost instantly, the bleeding slowed to a trickle.

She wrapped thick layers of bandages around his shoulder, securing them tightly.

"Keep it dry for the next few days," she instructed, her voice calm but firm.

"This is just basic first aid. If it worsens, you'll need proper medical attention."

The medical kit was limited, and the conditions weren't sterile. A wound like this needed stitches. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, so Evelyn cracked open a window, letting in a cool breeze.

Behind her, Dominic had propped himself up.

Though his face was still pale, his gaze was sharp—predatory—as it locked onto her.

While packing away her tools, Evelyn said quietly, "I'm not curious."

Once everything was tidied, she pulled out her pulse monitor and placed Dominic's wrist against it.

His heartbeat was strong, steady.

Not at all like a man who had just narrowly escaped death.

Everything seemed stable.

"The wound is treated. You should start antibiotics," she said.

"For your leg, I'll write you a prescription for herbal medicine. Soak it in warm water—not too hot—for thirty minutes daily. After three days, come back for another check." She grabbed a pen and paper, swiftly writing out the instructions.

In under two minutes, she slid the neatly written prescription toward him.

"My work here is done. Please have someone escort me out."

Whitmore Manor was vast, a labyrinth of halls and corridors. Without guidance, she'd never find her way out.

Dominic leaned back, one arm propped behind his head, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Why the hurry? It's late. Stay the night."

His hand shot out, gripping her wrist and yanking her forward. Caught off guard, Evelyn stumbled, landing on her knees beside the bed.

Now eye-level with him, their gazes locked.

Dominic's eyes held a dangerous glint—playful yet predatory.

"You know what they say about me, don't you? I never let things go."

"You caused me quite a bit of pain. What do you think you owe me?"

Despite the threat in his words, there was an odd warmth beneath them.

Evelyn arched a brow. "I told you to go to a hospital. You insisted I handle it. Your pain isn't entirely my fault."

"What if I want to blame you anyway?"

"Then you're just being unreasonable."

Dominic chuckled, low and dark. "And here I thought you knew me. Being unreasonable is my specialty."

Evelyn exhaled sharply.

Before she could react, his hand cupped her cheek.

She jerked back—but Dominic was faster. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her close.

Evelyn nearly fell against him.

"Stay with me. What do you say?"

His gaze was too intense to be a joke.

His eyes dropped to her lips—soft, pink, tempting.

His lashes lowered as his arm slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him while his other hand cradled the back of her head.

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief.