Chapter 101

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "Do you honestly think divorce is the answer?"

Evelyn lifted her chin defiantly. "I plan to persuade Grandma to have the surgery."

His piercing gaze locked onto hers. "And how exactly do you intend to accomplish that?"

She hesitated for a fraction of a second. "That's none of your business."

Just then, the hospital door swung open, revealing Victoria Hawthorne. "Ms. Carter, Mrs. Whitmore requests your presence—both yours and Mr. Whitmore's. She has matters to discuss."

Victoria Sinclair, hovering nearby, interjected with a hopeful smile. "I came to visit Mrs. Whitmore as well."

Victoria Hawthorne shifted uncomfortably. "I'm afraid Mrs. Whitmore has no desire to see you."

Victoria Sinclair's face hardened with resentment as Nathaniel followed Evelyn into the room.

Evelyn could feel the weight of Victoria's venomous stare burning into her back, but she refused to let it distract her.

She approached Eleanor's bedside, gently taking her frail hands. "Grandma, how are you feeling today?" Her voice was soft with concern.

Eleanor chuckled weakly, though her pallor betrayed her condition. "I may be ill, but I'm not knocking on death's door just yet."

Nathaniel, however, remained stern. "Grandma, I've scheduled your surgery for next week."

Eleanor's resolve was unshakable. "I've told you—I won't go through with it!"

"Not unless I live to see my great-grandchild," she declared. "Without that hope, what's the point?"

Nathaniel's patience snapped. "Are you seriously using your health to manipulate me?"

Eleanor met his glare without flinching. "Call it what you will."

Guilt twisted in Evelyn's chest as she watched Eleanor's frail form. She knew the truth—Eleanor feared that if the surgery failed, Evelyn would be left unprotected.

Yet Evelyn had made her choice. She was ending this marriage, directly opposing Eleanor's deepest wish.

Growing up an orphan, Evelyn had known little kindness until Margaret Dawson took her in.

For the past three years, Eleanor had treated her like family. Now, seeing her health deteriorate, Evelyn couldn't bear it.

The surgery couldn't wait any longer.

In a decisive moment, Evelyn placed Eleanor's hand gently on her abdomen. "Grandma... I'm pregnant."

Silence crashed over the room.

Nathaniel stared at her, disbelief etched across his face as his gaze dropped to her stomach.

Eleanor's eyes widened, her lips parting in shock. "Is it true?"

Evelyn nodded, a soft smile touching her lips. "Yes. It's still early—we only just found out."

"Wonderful!" Eleanor's face lit up. "I knew something was off when you were queasy last week, but you both denied it!"

Seeing Eleanor's joy, Evelyn felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The older woman's spirits were visibly brighter.

Eleanor immediately motioned for Victoria Hawthorne to bring a chair. "You young people know nothing about pregnancy. Victoria will help guide you through everything."

"Grandma, it's really not that serious—"

"Nonsense! This time, you'll listen to me."

Evelyn didn't argue further. Throughout the exchange, she avoided Nathaniel's gaze, knowing his stance on children.

But the lie sat heavy in her chest.

Suddenly, Beatrice Harrington swept into the room with Victoria Sinclair in tow. "Mother, Victoria came all this way to see you. She's brought specialties from Nord City!"