Chapter 100

Nathaniel's face remained impassive as he stated, "I won't lie to Grandmother Eleanor."

He turned sharply to his assistant. "Have you located the specialist we discussed?"

"Yes, sir. We've secured the top surgeon in this field. They've agreed to operate on Mrs. Whitmore immediately."

"Good. Make all necessary arrangements at once." His voice carried the weight of finality.

Penelope and Victoria exchanged uneasy glances. Penelope finally spoke up. "Nathaniel, didn't you promise Victoria's brother would perform the surgery? He's supposedly the best in this specialty."

"I can't afford to wait." His response was clipped. Nathaniel never gambled on uncertain outcomes.

Penelope sensed trouble brewing. If plans changed, what would become of Victoria? She needed to warn her immediately.

After a restless night, Evelyn woke with her hand resting protectively on her rounded belly. The decision weighed heavily on her.

She reached for her phone and dialed Andrew.

He answered on the first ring. "Evelyn? Everything alright? Need financial help?"

Despite her turmoil, she chuckled at his predictable question. "Actually, I need legal advice."

"Shoot."

"I have this friend..." Evelyn hesitated before continuing. "She's finalizing her divorce after years of marriage. Just discovered she's pregnant but doesn't want her husband's family to know. She wants to raise the child alone."

"Simple enough. Post-divorce, maternal custody is standard unless contested. The father would have no automatic rights."

Evelyn exhaled slightly. "What if the family finds out before the divorce is finalized and tries to claim custody? How could she fight back?"

Andrew's tone turned serious. "Evelyn, how close is this 'friend'?"

"Close enough."

"Then tell her she's got the best damn lawyer in the city. I'll guarantee her custody, no matter who opposes it."

"Thank you. I'll... let her know." She ended the call, but the reassurance did little to calm her nerves. Battling the Whitmore dynasty's legal team would be like fighting a hurricane with a paper umbrella.

Yet Evelyn couldn't stand by while Eleanor suffered.

That afternoon, she marched into the hospital with renewed determination.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Nathaniel and Victoria standing dangerously close, their bodies nearly touching.

Evelyn froze, then announced loudly, "I seem to have terrible timing."

Nathaniel stiffened at her voice, putting immediate distance between himself and Victoria.

Victoria turned with a smirk. "Don't worry. There's nothing between us anymore."

Evelyn's chest constricted. Every instinct screamed to leave, but Eleanor's condition anchored her in place. She advanced toward them.

"When is Grandmother Eleanor's surgery scheduled?" Evelyn demanded, locking eyes with Victoria.

Victoria feigned innocence. "These things take time. Soon, if everything goes smoothly."

The unspoken condition hung in the air between them.

Evelyn turned to Nathaniel, her voice steady. "Let's finalize the divorce today."