Chapter 442

"Yes," Evelyn lowered her gaze, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of the blanket. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were running a fever."

Nathan reached out, his warm palm covering her chilled fingers. A faint smile played at his lips as he murmured, "I didn't want you to worry. The apology should be mine, Zoe."

The unspoken truth weighed heavily between them. He was keeping a dangerous secret.

All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

He knew. The virus pulsed through his veins, marking the beginning of the end. Persistent fever, bloody coughs, gradual deterioration - these were just the opening acts of a tragedy with a three-year finale.

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak when Theodore burst in. "Nathan! You're awake!"

"Grandfather." Nathan nodded weakly.

Theodore's sharp gaze flicked to Evelyn. "Leave us. I need to speak with my grandson alone."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. She rose silently, casting one last glance at Nathan before exiting. The door clicked shut behind her, and with it, the light seemed to drain from Nathan's eyes.

When they were alone, Theodore's voice turned razor-sharp. "What's really happening with you?" The specialists had reported anomalies - a simple fever shouldn't persist like this.

Nathan met his grandfather's gaze steadily. "I'm infected. With the sleeper virus."

Theodore's face paled.

"Keep this between us," Nathan continued quietly. "Father, the children, Zoe - none of them can know."

Theodore's hands trembled as he gripped the bedrail. "How?" The word came out strangled.

"The bullet." Nathan's voice was eerily calm. "It was contaminated."

"You reckless fool!" Theodore's voice cracked. "You're the backbone of the Goldmann empire! What happens when those three children lose their father? When our enemies smell blood in the water?"

His fist slammed against the bedside table. "There's no cure, Nathan! Your great-grandparents died screaming from this same curse, and now you—" He broke off, running a shaking hand through his silver hair. "I never should have allowed that marriage. Love makes warriors weak."

A heavy silence fell between them. Finally, Theodore sighed. "No wonder your father resists passing you the Night Banquet. You're just like him."

History was repeating itself. First Natasha, now Evelyn - both had become weapons turned against the Goldmanns. And both had succeeded.

After a long pause, Nathan spoke. "I'll file for divorce."

Theodore startled. "What did you say?"

Nathan's gaze was steady. "I'll transfer half my shares to Evelyn and the children. After the divorce, we'll co-parent. They're Goldmanns, but they're her children too. She has every right."

Understanding dawned in Theodore's eyes. He said nothing - the reason for Nathan's decision was painfully clear.

Outside, Evelyn paced the corridor. The hushed voices behind the door gave nothing away. When Theodore finally emerged, his face was unreadable.

"You may go in now."

He strode away without another word. Evelyn blinked in surprise at the absence of his usual biting remarks.

She found Nathan staring blankly out the window, his profile etched with exhaustion. This wasn't the indomitable CEO she knew. This was a shattered man, fragile as Venetian glass balanced on a precipice.

The realization struck her like a physical blow - for the first time since they'd met, Nathan Goldmann looked breakable.