Chapter Sixteen: I Will Watch Over Her

Evelyn's POV 

Leonard’s house was massive—exactly what I’d expected from someone like him. As I walked in, I couldn’t help but notice the elegant furniture and warm lighting. It was the kind of home that screamed wealth without trying too hard, though I was too drained to care. I just wanted a moment to relax.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” Leonard said with a casual wave toward the plush couches in the living room. “I’ll ask the housekeeper to prepare something for you both.”

“No, thank you,” I replied quickly. The idea of food turned my stomach. “But… I could use a hot bath.” My body ached from the long flight, and I hoped a bath would soothe both my nerves and the tension in my muscles.

Dad, ever the gentleman, added, “I’ll take some tea if it’s no trouble. I need something to settle my nerves before bed.”

Leonard nodded without hesitation. “Of course. I’ll have it brought up to your rooms.” He turned to me then, his gaze lingering. “Your bath will be ready soon. If you need anything, just let me know.”

I forced a tight smile and nodded. “Thanks.”

Dad and I exchanged goodnights in the hallway. His room was to the left, while mine was on the opposite end, as Leonard had explained earlier. “Sleep well, sweetheart,” Dad said with a tired smile.

“You too, Dad.”

The moment I stepped into my room, I sighed deeply. It was beautiful, of course—spacious, with a large bed draped in soft linens. There was even a cozy armchair by the window. But despite its luxury, the room felt stifling. My thoughts were restless, circling back to Leonard and his cryptic words before we entered the house.

What exactly was he planning?

The hot bath helped to relax me, but my mind refused to settle. I dried off and changed into comfortable pajamas, then decided to review my presentation for the next day. It seemed like the most productive way to distract myself. Sitting at the desk, I opened my laptop and flipped through the slides, but my eyes kept drooping.

I must have dozed off at some point because when I woke, the sun was peeking through the curtains. My body screamed in protest as I tried to move. My head pounded, and every joint ached like I’d run a marathon in my sleep. I groaned, realizing I must have fallen asleep awkwardly in the chair.

A sharp knock startled me. “Evelyn?” Dad’s voice called from the other side of the door. “Are you up? We need to leave soon.”

The grand room spun around me, or at least it felt like it. My body refused to cooperate, each attempt to stand thwarted by the sheer weakness overtaking me. I heard my dad's panicked knocks on the door, his muffled voice carrying through.

“Evelyn? Are you okay? Open the door!”

I wanted to answer, but my throat felt like it had been rubbed raw, and every effort to summon my voice ended in a strained rasp. My fingers trembled as I tried to reach for my phone on the desk. It slipped from my hand and clattered to the floor.

The pounding on the door grew louder, more desperate. “Evelyn, I’m not joking! Answer me!” Dad’s voice cracked.

I could hear footsteps, fast and purposeful, followed by Leonard’s voice. “What’s wrong?”

“She’s not answering!” my dad yelled back. “She’s never done this before. I know something’s wrong.”

“Stand back,” Leonard said firmly. I couldn’t see them, but his tone carried authority.

A jolt of sound erupted as the lock gave way. The door swung open, and both men rushed inside. I barely registered their frantic movements as my vision blurred.

Leonard dropped to his knees beside me, his hand pressing against my forehead. His touch was cool compared to the heat radiating from my skin. “She’s burning up,” he muttered, his brows furrowing deeply. “We need a doctor right away.”

“Evelyn,” Dad called out softly, kneeling on my other side. His face was etched with worry. “Sweetheart, can you hear me?”

I tried to nod, but the effort sent a fresh wave of dizziness through me. My head lolled slightly, and I felt Leonard’s hand move to support me.

“We can’t wait,” Leonard said, already pulling out his phone. “I’ll call my personal doctor. He’s quick, and I trust him.” His voice was clipped, controlled, but there was urgency in his tone. 

“Will she be okay?” Dad asked, his voice trembling.

“She’ll be fine,” Leonard replied, though his jaw tightened as he spoke. He stood abruptly, pacing the room as he made the call. “Yes, Dr. Hensley. I need you at my residence immediately. A medical emergency. High fever. No, I don’t want to wait for hospital admission—we need you here now.” He paused, listening to the doctor’s response, then ended the call. “He’s on his way,” he said, turning back to us.

“Evelyn,” Dad said, leaning closer, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “I should have checked on you sooner. I’m sorry. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard, haven’t you?” His voice was heavy with guilt.

I wanted to tell him it wasn’t his fault, that I’d simply caught a bug or maybe exhaustion had finally caught up with me, but I couldn’t summon the energy to speak.

Leonard returned to my side, crouching down again. His sharp eyes studied me intently. “You need to rest. Don’t try to move.” His hand briefly squeezed mine, a gesture of reassurance.

Dad straightened up, his face a mixture of helplessness and resolve. “I can cancel the meeting,” he said.

Leonard cut in, his tone decisive. “No, you don’t have to. I’ll stay with her until she’s better.”

Dad hesitated, looking between Leonard and me. “I don’t want to leave her like this.”

“If you trust me,” Leonard said, his voice softer now, “I’ll make sure she’s taken care of. You can check in anytime, and Dr. Hensley will be here shortly.”

“She'll be safe? I don't want any harm to—”

“I swear on my life, sir,”