Chapter 103

A spark of hope ignited in Evelyn's weary eyes.

Nathaniel took in her disheveled state—the way her slender frame trembled slightly, the shadows beneath her deep hazel eyes betraying exhaustion and unspoken longing.

For just a moment, his usual cold demeanor wavered.

Before she could stumble, his hand shot out, fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist to steady her.

Evelyn had braced for impact, certain Nathaniel would side with Victoria in their confrontation.

Yet this time, to her shock, he stood firmly beside her.

She blinked up at him, pulse racing with disbelief. Relief warred with lingering dread as she thought of what might have happened—not just to her, but to the fragile life growing within her.

"Nat!" Victoria's voice cut through the tension, sharp with wounded pride.

Evelyn turned to see Victoria still sprawled on the hospital floor, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

She hadn't expected Nathaniel to walk past Victoria's dramatic display to reach her instead.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing Beatrice's hurried approach.

"Ms. Sinclair!" The older woman gasped, rushing to Victoria's side. "How did this happen? You must be more careful!"

Victoria allowed herself to be helped up, casting a meaningful glance toward Evelyn. "We were discussing... pregnancy matters when we both slipped. The floor was wet."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. The implication was clear—Victoria was planting seeds of doubt about the incident.

The girl truly was a master of playing the victim while orchestrating chaos.

Beatrice's accusing finger jabbed toward Evelyn. "You couldn't warn her? This is exactly the carelessness I'd expect from you! What if something serious had happened?"

Evelyn remained impassive, long accustomed to her mother-in-law's venom.

She stepped out of Nathaniel's hold with deliberate calm. "I don't make a habit of looking out for mistresses."

After all, it had been Victoria who'd grabbed her, staging this entire farce.

Without another word, Evelyn turned and walked away.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed as her warmth left his arms.

Beatrice seized the moment. "See how she acts? Pregnancy has made her unbearably arrogant! This is the real Evelyn Carter."

Victoria bit her lip, shaken that Nathaniel had chosen Evelyn over her. Clearly, the only reason was that unborn heir.

She couldn't stay silent. "Nathaniel, I only asked about Ms. Carter's pregnancy, but she seemed... evasive. I worry she might not be entirely truthful."

Her voice took on a saccharine tone. "While I'd never wish harm on your child, deception is unacceptable, don't you think?"

Beatrice gasped dramatically. "I knew it! That girl could never conceive so suddenly—she's lying!"

The possibility visibly relieved her.

Nathaniel remained silent, jaw clenched. Truthfully, he too questioned the validity of Evelyn's claim.

Victoria adopted a saintly expression. "Though if Mrs. Whitmore did say she'd consent to the surgery if Evelyn's truly pregnant... Perhaps she meant well. We shouldn't judge her too harshly."

Without responding, Nathaniel strode away.

Victoria moved to follow, but her twisted ankle—a genuine injury from her staged fall—made her wince.

Frustration burned in her gaze as she watched him leave. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

Outside, Evelyn stood amidst the hospital's bustling traffic, emotions in turmoil.

Revealing her pregnancy had been necessary after seeing Eleanor's deteriorating condition.

But facing Nathaniel with this truth?

That was a battle she wasn't ready to fight.