The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 266

The Bayview Retreat, top-floor VIP suite.

At ten in the morning, brilliant sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm, golden glow across the cream-colored hardwood floors. Outside, the oak leaves had turned a vibrant shade of autumn, and the wind sent them fluttering against the glass like seasonal letters from nature.

Evelyn stood beside the bed, holding a medical chart as she recorded the morning's vitals.

Isabella rested against the headboard, looking significantly better than she had a few days prior. She was wearing a soft lavender cardigan, her hair was brushed neatly, and some color had finally returned to her cheeks. She watched Evelyn's focused profile, a gentle smile fixed on her lips.

"Blood pressure 118 over 75, heart rate 72, oxygen at 98 percent." Evelyn closed the folder and offered Isabella a reassuring smile. "You're recovering beautifully. We'll observe you for another week, and if everything holds steady, we can move you to a regular room."

Isabella reached out and patted Evelyn's hand affectionately. "It's all thanks to you. Evie, you've worked so hard."

Evelyn's movements hitched.

Evie.

It had been an incredibly long time since she had heard that nickname.

The last time anyone had called her that was years ago. Back then, her mother was still alive. Every morning, Vivian would knock softly on her bedroom door and murmur, 'Evie, time to wake up. The sun's already high in the sky.'

Her mother's voice was always so tender, carrying that soft, comforting cadence. Evelyn would refuse to get out of bed, and her mother would just sit by her side, stroking her hair and coaxing her awake in a gentle whisper.

After her mother passed away, no one had ever used that name again.

Evelyn stood frozen by the bed, her fingers still tightly gripping the clipboard.

"Evie?" Isabella called out again, a note of worry creeping into her tone. "Is everything alright?"

Evelyn snapped out of her daze. Meeting Isabella's concerned gaze, she quickly shook her head. "I'm fine. It's just..."

She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's been a long time since anyone called me that."

Isabella looked at her, a flash of maternal heartbreak crossing her features. She didn't press for details, simply giving Evelyn's hand a reassuring squeeze. "If you don't like it, I'll go back to calling you Dr. Sullivan. That was presumptuous of me—"

"No," Evelyn interrupted gently, a very faint smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "I don't mind at all. You can call me whatever you prefer."

Isabella's eyes crinkled in delight, her smile as warm and inviting as the autumn sun pouring through the window.

"Alright then, Evie it is," she declared. "And stop calling me Mrs. Thorne. Just call me Isabella."

Evelyn looked at Isabella's expectant gaze, then down at the lavish spread, and finally nodded. "Alright."

Lance tactfully slipped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him.

The two women were left alone in the quiet suite.

Isabella picked up her fork and placed a piece of fish on Evelyn's plate. "Try this. The lemon butter sea bass from The Gilded Orchid is their signature dish. It's incredibly fresh."

Evelyn thanked her quietly and began to eat.

Isabella ate as well, though her eyes kept drifting toward Evelyn. The more she looked at the younger woman, the more she adored her. She was strikingly beautiful, her demeanor was incredibly gentle, yet she carried herself with a sharp, undeniable competence. Not only had she saved Isabella's life, but her bedside manner during check-ups was flawless—she had never once shown a hint of impatience.

If only she could be my daughter-in-law.

Isabella let out a quiet, internal sigh.

But she could clearly see that Evelyn had zero interest in romance right now. There was a lingering shadow of exhaustion and detachment in the girl's eyes, as if nothing in the world could spark her excitement.