Chapter 563

Evelyn sighed as she packed her medical supplies. "You don't have to listen to me," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "Unless you prefer staying in that wheelchair forever."

Dominic's lips curved into a mocking smile as their eyes met.

"Standing or sitting makes no difference to me," he drawled, stretching his legs lazily.

From the beginning, it had been Evelyn's idea to treat his paralysis. But Dominic couldn't care less about walking again - his entire existence felt meaningless anyway.

Evelyn frowned at his nonchalance. "Are you serious? You'd rather be confined to a wheelchair your whole life?"

"Tell me something first," Dominic countered, tilting his head. "Why are you so determined to fix me?"

The question hung heavily between them. Evelyn busied herself with her medical bag, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"Fine. If you refuse treatment, I'm leaving." She reached for the door handle, only to hear the locks click shut. Nathaniel had obeyed Dominic's silent command.

"Did I say you could go?" Dominic reclined his seat, folding his arms behind his head in clear invitation.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. The man was infuriating - why couldn't he just cooperate like a normal patient?

Her attention shifted to the bloodstained bandage peeking from beneath his shirt. With careful fingers, she peeled back the fabric and gasped. The dressing she'd applied a week ago remained unchanged, now fused to his flesh with dried blood.

"You're lucky you haven't gotten an infection," she muttered, working to separate the fabric from skin. Each tug drew fresh beads of blood, yet Dominic showed no reaction beyond mild amusement.

"Nathaniel," Evelyn called to the driver, "we need to get him to a hospital immediately. This wound requires stitches."

Dominic chuckled darkly. "My dear Evelyn, why the sudden concern?"

She ignored his teasing, focusing on the gruesome injury. After weeks of forced proximity, she'd begun deciphering Dominic's twisted psyche.

He moved through life like a bored predator, toying with those around him for entertainment. The fear he inspired in others seemed to be the only thing that made him feel alive.

Yet Evelyn couldn't comprehend why this dangerous man showed her such... tolerance.

As she worked, Dominic watched her through half-lidded eyes, his expression unreadable. The car's interior grew heavy with unspoken questions, the air between them charged with something neither dared name.