Chapter 383

"It feels like heaven answered my prayers," Margaret whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Four years vanished in an instant, and Everett is all grown up now. I can sense my time slipping away. What did the doctor say about how long I have left?"

Rosalind's almond-shaped eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "He estimated about two months."

Margaret exhaled softly, her fingers tightening around the bedsheet. "Two months... That's hardly any time at all."

Rosalind immediately clasped Margaret's frail hand. "Don't lose hope, Mrs. Sinclair. I've arranged for Dr. Theodore to oversee your treatment personally. We'll do everything possible to extend your time."

Margaret turned her sightless eyes toward Rosalind's voice. "Rosalind, if not for you, I wouldn't even be here now. Our family owes you more than we can ever repay. We may not have much, but we've always lived without debts. I'll leave the hospital today—you shouldn't burden yourself with me any longer."

"Mrs. Sinclair—" Rosalind started, but she knew arguing was pointless. The Sinclair pride ran deep in both Everett and his mother.

She didn't press further, but her resolve hardened. The imported medication would ease Margaret's pain and buy precious extra time.

"Please... don't tell Everett or Lillian about my condition."

"Why? I think they—"

"If Everett finds out, he'll sell everything he owns to pay for treatments. But I know my body—no treatment will work now. There's no sense wasting money we don't have. He's carried enough burdens between me and his father's legacy. That boy has never known an easy day in his life."

Seeing Margaret's determination, Rosalind nodded. "Alright. Your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you."

Rosalind wiped at her damp lashes. "Don't thank me. Everett saved me first. Without him, I wouldn't be here either."

A faint smile touched Margaret's lips.

"Speaking of... where is Everett?" Rosalind asked.

"He went to shower. Should be out soon."

Everett had rushed straight from the construction site, covered in dust and grime. Even waiting in the hospital earlier, his rugged appearance had drawn stares.

He always cleaned up before seeing his family, never wanting them to see him looking so worn.

This private hospital suite had its own bathroom, so Everett had disappeared inside to wash up.

Rosalind remembered the heavy cement bags straining his shoulders earlier. He must be aching. She quickly retrieved a potent muscle-relief ointment from Theodore.

Clutching the small jar, she approached the bathroom door and raised her hand to knock—

But before her knuckles could connect, the door swung open on its own.

Was he not inside?

She pushed the door slightly ajar. "Everett, are you—"

Then she froze.

Everett stood before her, freshly showered, wearing only low-slung black sweatpants, his torso completely bare.

The last time in the dressing room, she'd glimpsed his sculpted physique—broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, muscles defined from years of labor. But now, seeing him like this, water still glistening on his skin, hit her like a physical blow.

Rosalind gasped, slapping both hands over her eyes. "Wh-why aren't you dressed?"

Everett hadn't expected her to barge in. He calmly grabbed a white tank top and pulled it on. "You didn't knock."

She'd meant to, but the door opened first.

Peeking through her fingers, Rosalind's wide eyes caught sight of the tattoo on his arm—a fierce eagle in flight.