Chapter 98 Cleverness Backfires
Just as Philip’s lips were about to touch hers, Evelyn quickly turned her head.
The hallway outside was full of people–it wasn’t safe at all.
Finished
Philip felt a small sting of disappointment but hid it quickly. He slipped the charm into the inside pocket of his coat, right over his heart.
“I’ll keep it with me always,” he promised.
“You’d better,” Evelyn said firmly.
Right then, Quade came back with his discharge papers.
Evelyn walked downstairs with them, watching Philip drive away.
Even after the car was gone, she couldn’t bring herself to look away.
At some point, Rowan showed up beside her and patted her shoulder. “Alright, the car’s long gone. Keep staring like that and you’ll turn into a statue. Come on. Let’s head to the office.”
“Okay,” Evelyn murmured, nodding and following him.
Once they were inside, Rowan asked, “Do you know who that old man who gave you the medal really is?”
Evelyn shook her head honestly. “I don’t. Who is he?”
“Back then, he was the commander–in–chief of both Southville and Linusville. A real legend. Even Kingstead headquarters tried to transfer him, but he refused.”
Evelyn frowned in confusion. “No way. I’ve heard of that commander–in–chief. Everyone calls him ‘Leopard, but I thought his real name was Harvey Blair. That doesn’t match, does it?”
“You don’t get it,” Rowan explained. “Leopard was just his nickname. He ran like one when he was young–fast, sharp, untouchable. Nobody called him by his real name anymore. It’s
you didn’t know.” He waved his hand as if her confusion was nothing.
normal
“I see. Evelyn nodded.
Rowan stroked his beard, looking satisfied. “Now you understand why I wanted you to take that medal, right?”
“You mean as a token, in case I ever need to ask him for help?” Evelyn guessed.
“Exactly, Harvey said it was his first medal, very special. Imagine how convincing it would be if you ever needed to use it?
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Chapter 98 Cleverness Backfires
Finished
Last night, Rowan had been so angry with Evelyn during surgery that he poked her forehead a little too hard.
Then he worried it left a mark and went to look for her to give her some ointment to apply. But when he heard what she said to Philip, he was moved and changed his mind.
He thought to himself, I’ll protect this apprentice of mine with everything I have.
And now the chance had come so soon.
Once he retired, his influence in the hospital would fade. If Evelyn ever got pushed around, she’d need strong backing.
The former commander–in–chief, Harvey, was the perfect choice.
With Harvey on her side, no one would dare suppress her.
She could even use Harvey’s connections to get her into better hospitals with greater opportunities.
From the bottom of his heart, Rowan liked Evelyn, protected her, and thought of her constantly.
But Evelyn splashed a bucket of cold water on him.
“Dr. Cook, cleverness backfires. If you really wanted to help me, you shouldn’t have accepted that medal at all,” she said.
Rowan froze in disbelief. “What? How is that backfiring? Explain–why shouldn’t you take the medal?”
So Evelyn explained.
Harvey was highly respected. His gratitude for saving his life was true. But if she kept his most treasured medal, then asking him for help later–even once or twice–was fine. But too many times, and it would feel like she was pressuring him with guilt.
If she hadn’t taken it, Harvey would still owe her a favor. They could have a natural friendship,. and future help would just feel normal, not heavy. Their meetings would be easier.
Rowan’s eyes widened. He slapped his thigh. “Why didn’t I think of that? What do we do now? Should we return the medal?”
“Of course not,” Evelyn said, patting his shoulder lightly. “If you return it now, it’ll look like you’re calculating favors. Dr./Cook, I know you mean well, but let me handle this myself, okay?”
Rowan sighed and gave up. “Fine. If you say so, I won’t meddle anymore. You decide.”
19:32 Mon, 1 Sept
Chapter 98 Cleverness Backfires
Evelyn nodded and smoothly changed the subject.
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Finished
Harvey stayed in the hospital for a week. Once his chest wound scabbed over, they prepared to
transfer him.
His illness needed long–term care, and Brookhaven Hospital wasn’t the best choice.
His daughter–in–law, Tammy Blair, picked a private retirement home in Southville’s suburbs with great facilities. Once the paperwork was done, he was moved that very afternoon.
Evelyn went downstairs to see him off.
Helping him into the car required support, so Evelyn stepped in, wrapping her arms under his and carefully lifting him into the back seat.
After Harvey was settled, she didn’t rush off. Instead, she stayed close and smiled. “Mr. Blair, some memories and some things are more important than life itself. I understand how you felt back then. I also have things I’d risk my life to protect. What belongs to you, you must hold onto.”
Harvey didn’t quite get what she meant.
When the car had driven some distance, his elbow brushed against his jacket pocket. Inside, he felt something soft.
He pulled it out–it was the medal, tucked into a roughly sewn cloth bag.
Evelyn had cleaned it carefully with soda water, scrubbing away the rust until it shone again.
“Harvey, didn’t you give that to Dr. Schmidt already? How come it’s here?” Tammy asked curiously from the front seat.
Then she realized. “Should I return it to Dr. Schmidt, or maybe send her another gift?”
“No need, Harvey said, shaking his head and gripping the medal tightly as memories poured back. “That girl doesn’t need gifts. She sees farther than either of us. She doesn’t care about material things.”
“Alright, Tammy nodded and went quiet.
Harvey looked through the rearview mirror at the shrinking hospital in the distance. “Little girl, I hope we meet again, and that you’ll surprise me once more.”
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