The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 172

The name flashing on the screen added a heavy layer of dread to Evelyn's already chaotic thoughts.

She stared at the word—'Father'—for a few seconds before swiping her cold fingertip across the glass.

“Hello?”

“Evelyn! You’re in Savannah Hub, right? I saw that opening ceremony broadcast!” Stephen Sullivan’s voice blasted through the receiver, more rushed than usual, carrying a poorly disguised panic. “Forget the ceremony! Your grandfather is in trouble! He collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. The doctors say it’s acute heart failure with multi-organ failure, and it’s critical! You need to fly back to New York! Right now!”

Evelyn’s heart seized. She walked over to the window, forcing her voice to remain steady. “Which hospital? Who is the attending physician? Send me his medical reports immediately.”

“Why are you asking so many questions? The only thing that matters is that you get back here!” Stephen’s tone edged on impatience. “The old man was calling your name before he lost consciousness. As his granddaughter, shouldn't you be on the first flight back?”

Evelyn closed her eyes, rapidly mentally reviewing the meticulous care routine she had prescribed for Arthur. She adjusted his prescriptions remotely every month and had a top-tier medical team in New York run full diagnostics regularly. Based on her clinical judgment, even though her grandfather was frail, his condition shouldn't have deteriorated this rapidly—unless...

“Why did he suddenly collapse?” Her voice turned icy. “I adjusted his medication last month. His vitals should have been perfectly stable. Did something happen?”

Dead silence on the other end of the line.

Those few seconds of hesitation made Evelyn’s stomach drop.

“Stephen.” It was the first time she had addressed her father by his first name, and the sheer authority in her tone was crushing. “Answer me. What happened before he collapsed?”

“H-How dare you speak to your father that way!” Stephen stammered, trying to mask his panic with outrage. “The old man is ancient! Bodies give out, what’s so strange about that? Just get back here! Don't forget, you're a doctor! You're Dr. Rose! If you don't come back to save your own grandfather, who will?”

The last sentence was practically an accusation.

A chill ran down Evelyn’s spine. It wasn't just his tone; it was the sickening, entitled moral manipulation—especially right after he had undoubtedly watched the global broadcast solidifying her international prestige.

“So,” she said, articulating every syllable, “you didn’t call me because my grandfather needs his granddaughter. You called because the patient needs Dr. Rose.”

“I... That's not what I meant!” Stephen’s voice grew frantic. “Evelyn, this is no time to argue! Get a plane! Book the next flight back to New York! He really doesn't have much time!”

“Text me the hospital address and the attending’s contact info,” Evelyn cut him off abruptly. “I’m leaving now. But if I find out there was foul play involved in his collapse—”

She didn't finish the sentence, but she distinctly heard Stephen gasp over the line.

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