She didn’t answer.
Her gaze swept over me once, cool and detached, before shifting to the director. “I’ll represent the hospital,” she said, her tone polite but impersonal. “Dr. Lean has other responsibilities. I’m qualified and familiar with the project’s parameters.”
The director looked from her to me, clearly relieved to have a solution. “Ah… yes, of course. If Dr. Lean approves, then…”
“I do,” I said quickly, though my voice trembled. I couldn’t bear to let her walk away again, but I also couldn’t stand her eyes — the way they stripped me bare without a hint of recognition or forgiveness.
“Thank you, Dr. Evelyn,” the director said, already moving to draft the paperwork. “This will make things much smoother. The palace will be informed immediately.”
Evelyn nodded curtly. “Please do
