Chapter 133

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. "What prenatal test?"

Her pulse quickened. Had Nathaniel discovered her secret?

"Have you forgotten your condition?" His voice was smooth as silk. "Grandmother Eleanor arranged this appointment. Just play along for her sake."

Only then did Evelyn exhale. "There's no need. I'll tell her I already had it done."

"Impossible." Nathaniel stepped closer, his breath warm against her ear. "She'll demand test results and ultrasound images. You're taking this test today."

Her fingers trembled. "Your family owns this hospital. Can't you just... fabricate the records?"

Nathaniel's grip tightened on her shoulders as he nodded toward the hallway. "See Victoria Hawthorne over there?"

Evelyn followed his gaze to the nurse station. "What about her?"

"You disappeared from campus for days. She reported it to Grandmother." His jaw tightened. "Now Eleanor suspects trouble between us."

"So this whole test..." Evelyn swallowed hard. "It's just theater?"

"Exactly." His eyes darkened. "Just follow the script."

After a tense moment, she nodded. "Fine."

Victoria couldn't enter the examination room anyway. Whatever the results, Nathaniel would control the narrative.

The doctor led Evelyn downstairs. As expected, the examination room already contained their carefully staged scene - another pregnant woman waiting to provide the necessary results.

Nathaniel's planning was flawless.

One hour later, Evelyn emerged clutching fake documents. She ascended to Eleanor's suite.

"My dear!" Eleanor grasped Evelyn's hands. "You're wasting away! A pregnant woman shouldn't overwork herself. Let that husband of yours carry the burden!"

Evelyn forced a smile. "Of course, Grandmother."

"And you must eat properly! I intend to meet this great-grandchild before joining my late husband."

Noticing Eleanor's fatigue, Evelyn soon excused herself.

In the corridor, she turned to Nathaniel. "When's the surgery?"

"Month's end." His gaze never wavered.

Evelyn tilted her chin up. "Congratulations on your engagement. But a word of advice - keep it quiet. Wouldn't want Grandmother finding out through gossip."

"I don't need your reminders about discretion," he snapped.

"Of course not. You're the master of secrets." She turned sharply, blinking back tears.

"Wait."

Evelyn froze, her pulse hammering. Slowly, she faced him. "Yes?"

Nathaniel's lips parted just as the elevator doors slid open.

Beatrice Harrington's perfectly manicured hand shot out, stopping the doors. Her smile vanished upon seeing Evelyn. "You! Stay away from my mother!"

Evelyn met her glare evenly. "Relax. I want her surgery to succeed more than anyone."