The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 429

His back was a horrifying canvas of violence. Fresh gashes crisscrossed over faded scars, painting a gruesome portrait of purple and black. The worst of it was a massive, swollen contusion dead center on his spine—the brutal handiwork of a steel pipe. The surrounding tissue was completely bruised, with severe subcutaneous hemorrhaging. His shoulders bore deep scrapes that had begun to scab, though the edges still wept blood. His arms were mottled with bruises of varying ages; some yellowing, others an angry, dark purple.

The doctor grimaced as he began swabbing the wounds with antiseptic. The moment the stinging liquid made contact, Sebastian's muscles locked up, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his knees, but he didn't make a single sound.

Evelyn sat on the sofa, quietly watching the procedure. As she took in the horrific web of fresh injuries layered over old combat scars, a deep frown creased her forehead.

Charles followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing at the battered expanse of the younger man's back. He took a slow sip of tea, keeping his thoughts to himself.

The treatment took an agonizingly long time. Cleaning, suturing, bandaging—every contusion was meticulously handled. Finally, the doctor straightened up, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"Mostly superficial lacerations and severe bruising. No broken bones, thankfully. But he requires complete bed rest for a few days. Absolutely no physical exertion."

Sebastian nodded, carefully pulling a clean shirt over his shoulders.

He turned around and saw Evelyn leaning against the couch, her eyes practically glued shut. Her head kept nodding forward before she jerked it back up, fighting a losing battle against exhaustion. Her trench coat was slipping off her shoulder, but she was too tired to fix it.

A wave of pure affection washed over Sebastian. "Go to bed," he urged, his voice incredibly soft.

Evelyn forced her eyes open to look at him.

"Felton prepared a guest room," Sebastian assured her. "I'm staying here tonight."

Evelyn studied him for a few seconds, making sure he wasn't trying to act tough, before giving a slight nod. She stood up and headed for the grand staircase. After a few steps, she paused and looked back over her shoulder.

"Get some rest."

"I will."

She disappeared up the stairs.

Charles set his teacup down and got to his feet. He walked over, giving Sebastian a final, assessing once-over. "Heal up," he commanded, leaning heavily on his cane as he shuffled toward his study. He took a few steps before tossing a final remark over his shoulder. "I still expect you to cook breakfast tomorrow."

Sebastian blinked in surprise. "Yes, sir."