Chapter 102

Evelyn followed closely behind Beatrice, her lips tightening when she spotted Victoria already seated in the hospital waiting area.

Though Evelyn noticed Victoria's assessing stare, the weight of her current situation left no room to dwell on petty judgments.

"Get up, Evelyn!" Beatrice commanded sharply. "We can't have Ms. Sinclair standing while you're sitting. She's our honored guest."

As Evelyn started to rise, Eleanor's frail hand restrained her, but Nathaniel's quiet murmur came like a shield. "Stay seated. It's fine."

Beatrice immediately protested, "Nathaniel, what's the matter? Can't Evelyn stand for a moment? Ms. Sinclair went through the trouble of—"

Victoria smoothly interjected with practiced grace, "It's perfectly alright, Mrs. Whitmore. I don't mind standing."

Eleanor's voice carried unexpected steel. "Evelyn is with child. She should remain seated."

The announcement landed like a grenade in the sterile hospital corridor.

Victoria's perfect smile froze mid-curve.

Beatrice gaped at Evelyn, disbelief coloring her tone. "That's impossible. How could this happen so suddenly?"

Eleanor's protective instincts flared. "What exactly are you suggesting? Shouldn't we be celebrating Evelyn's pregnancy?"

A cold dread settled in Beatrice's stomach as she realized Evelyn's supposed condition could shatter Victoria's carefully laid plans with Nathaniel.

Nathaniel's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Enough. Grandmother needs her rest. Let's continue this outside."

Eleanor waved them off with surprising cheer. "Nathaniel, take care of Evelyn and my future great-grandchild." Her wrinkled face softened. "Don't fuss over me—just schedule the surgery. I intend to watch that baby grow up."

The relief that washed over Evelyn at Eleanor's consent was nearly palpable.

As the group exited the room, the air thickened with unspoken tensions.

Ignoring the others, Evelyn made straight for the elevator, desperate for escape.

Beatrice seized Nathaniel's arm, her hissed words meant for his ears alone. "I warned you about getting her pregnant! Couldn't you have taken precautions?"

Faced with his mother's bluntness, Nathaniel's jaw twitched. "Mother, this is my personal matter."

"It's not just about you anymore!" Beatrice shot back. "With Evelyn pregnant, consider how the Sinclairs will react. Their daughter won't easily accept being second choice."

Beatrice had envisioned Victoria's aristocratic connections elevating their family. Now that dream teetered on the brink.

As the elevator doors slid open, Victoria's sharp command rang out: "Wait!"

Before Evelyn could react, Victoria descended the stairs in three quick strides and seized her wrist with surprising strength. "This pregnancy is a lie, isn't it?"

Doubt still clouded Victoria's piercing gaze.

Just as Evelyn opened her mouth to respond, Nathaniel emerged from the elevator. Panicked, Evelyn wrenched her arm free, demanding, "Let go of me!"

Victoria's peripheral vision caught Nathaniel's approach.

A calculated coldness entered her eyes as she suddenly released her grip and threw herself backward, artfully creating the illusion that Evelyn had pushed her.

As the force of Victoria's release sent her stumbling, Evelyn instinctively cradled her stomach, her face draining of color.

Victoria's eyes immediately sought Nathaniel, welling with manufactured tears. "Nathaniel, help me!"

Simultaneously, Evelyn's gaze found his, silently pleading for belief.