Chapter 473
[ 506 words ]
Chapter 473:
The mortification was so intense it was almost a physical pain. Of all the people to see her like this, it had to be her mentor, the man who represented professionalism and respectability.
She dropped her hand from her collar, forcing herself to stand straight, to adopt a professional demeanor. “Good morning, Dr. Croft,” she said, her voice a little too bright. “I’m fine. Just looking for some supplies.”
Julian gave a slow, gentle nod. He handed her a small medical kit. “These are the replenishment packs for the outer triage stations. If you could handle it.”
His eyes met hers again, and this time, she saw something new. It wasn’t just professional concern. It was a flicker of genuine appreciation, almost admiration. She had slept well, despite the soreness, and the flush on her cheeks probably looked more like a healthy glow than a blush of shame. She looked alive, vibrant.
Julian’s gaze lingered a beat too long, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before the professional mask slipped back into place. He had always seen her as a competent, dedicated subordinate, a promising student. But in this moment, seeing her flustered and beautiful, with the undeniable evidence of a passionate lover marked on her skin, he seemed to be seeing her for the first time as a woman.
Caroline, oblivious to the subtle shift in his perception, took the kit from him. “Of course, Doctor. I’ll take care of it right away.” Her tone was all business, creating a clear, professional distance. She turned and walked away, her back ramrod straight.
Julian watched her go, his expression unreadable, his gaze lingering on her retreating form.
Evelyn, who had missed nothing, stepped up beside him. “Some people are like hidden treasures, aren’t they, Doctor?” she said, her voice light and casual. “Once they’re discovered, they tend to attract a lot of treasure hunters.”
Julian blinked, as if waking from a trance. He turned to Evelyn and offered a small, polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He said nothing, but Evelyn knew he had understood her perfectly.
𝗬𝘰𝗎𝗋 𝘥𝘢𝘪lу 𝖽𝗼𝘴e 𝘰𝖿 𝘯𝗈vе𝗅𝘴 𝗈𝗻 𝘨𝖺𝘭ո𝘰𝘃𝘦𝘭ѕ.𝖼о𝘮
Caroline moved through the supply area, her hands automatically sorting through boxes of bandages and sterile wipes. She was trying to lose herself in the familiar, mindless task, to push away the burning humiliation of the morning.
After Julian had walked away, Evelyn followed her, her expression no longer teasing but serious.
“Caroline,” she said, her voice low. “I think I need to give you a heads-up.”
Caroline didn’t look up from the box she was unpacking. “About what? To wear a turtleneck next time?”
“No,” Evelyn said, shaking her head. “About Dr. Croft. Did you not see the way he was looking at you?”
That made Caroline pause. She straightened up, a box of sutures in her hand, and looked at her friend with genuine confusion. “What look? He seemed perfectly normal to me.”
Evelyn’s face softened with a kind of weary wisdom. “That was the look a man gives a woman who has suddenly, unexpectedly, knocked the wind out of him.”
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