The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn and Axel) novel Chapter 371

Chapter 371: Memories

At Lincoln International Hospital, the night air was cold and still.

When their car rolled to a smooth stop in the basement parking lot, the clock on the dashboard read nine o’clock.

The underground space was nearly empty. Only a few cars were scattered across the vast concrete floor.

Evelyn glanced around, surprised. "Did you clear the area for us to come?" she asked quietly, half-joking, half-serious.

Axel sat beside her, composed as always. "No, this is not my hospital..." he answered with a faint smile. Then he lifted a hand and pointed toward the glass entrance ahead. "But he did."

Evelyn turned, and her lips curved into a knowing smile when she saw the familiar figure waiting by the door, hands in his coat pockets, posture firm but relaxed, like a man standing before his own home.

"Ah. I forgot this is Lincoln’s hospital," she murmured. "Of course, we can visit without half the city watching."

Jackson Lincoln—Axel’s best friend and the CEO of Lincoln International—raised a hand in greeting, his grin bright even under the sterile lights.

Axel chuckled and gently smoothed Evelyn’s coat collar, making sure it shielded her from the cold.

Only after confirming she was warm and cozy did he look into her eyes. "Alright," he said softly. "Let’s go. Don’t make Jack wait for us longer."

He stepped out first, walked around the car, and opened Evelyn’s door. "Come," he said, offering his hand.

She took it, grounding herself in his warmth as they walked toward Jackson. The moment Jackson saw them approach, his smile widened, full of relief and mischief.

"You two," Jackson said, shaking his head. "Absolutely heartless. How could you not tell me about the accident? Do I look like a stranger to you?"

Axel didn’t even blink. "Her accident was a family matter," he replied simply. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Jackson sighed softly but didn’t bother arguing. Instead, he turned to Evelyn, eyes softening.

"Sister-in-law, I was worried sick when I heard about your incident from Dylan. But seeing you now..." His gaze flicked to the faint traces of healing injuries. "...I’m less worried. You look healthy and strong."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Thank you, Jack."

They entered a private elevator, the doors closing with a muted chime. As the elevator began its smooth ascent, silence settled in for a moment. Evelyn’s fingers curled slightly around Axel’s hand, betraying the anxiety she was trying to hide.

Jackson noticed, of course.

"Eve," he said gently, his playful tone softening into something sincere. "I know why you’re here. And I know about your grandpa’s condition." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I wish I could give you better news. But... I can’t. I’m sorry."

Evelyn lifted her gaze to him. In that moment, she didn’t see the hospital CEO, the powerful businessman, or Axel’s witty best friend. She saw a doctor who had done everything he could, and a man who genuinely cared.

"Thank you, Jack," she said sincerely. "For helping my family. For everything you did to them..."

Jackson gave her a small, reassuring smile. "No matter what happens, you did not come too late. That’s what matters."

The elevator continued upward, numbers glowing one by one above the door. Each passing floor felt like a step closer to a reality Evelyn was not sure she was ready to face.

’What the hell is this man doing here?’

The curse remained in Evelyn’s mind, but her body reacted faster than her thoughts. Her hand clenched into a fist at her side, nails pressing into her palm.

Memories she never wanted to relive flashed through her—his cold ultimatum, his order to capture her, the way he had tried to control her life as if she were a pawn.

Her eyes sharpened on him, guarded and wary.

Yet, when she expected rage or contempt from him upon seeing her and Axel, she was mistaken.

William merely nodded at Axel.

Not a proud nod. Not a welcoming one either. It was the kind of nod a man gave when facing someone he knew he could not afford to offend. Then, without another word, he stepped aside and swung the door wider.

Evelyn blinked, puzzled for only a second.

Axel’s hand landed gently against her back, a quiet cue. Walk. I’m here.

She inhaled slowly and stepped into the room.

The moment her eyes fell on the hospital bed, everything else faded.

Samuel Walters lay there, surrounded by the soft glow of medical monitors. His skin was pale and wrinkly, his features thinner than she remembered. The man who once carried her on his shoulders now looked fragile, as though a stern tap would push him fall down and a strong breeze would carry him far away.