Chapter 145

Evelyn Carter stood patiently until Nathaniel Whitmore finally turned to face her.

His crimson-rimmed eyes betrayed his sleepless night.

A wave of concern washed over her. "Is Mrs. Whitmore Senior alright?"

She started toward the hospital room, but his strong fingers closed around her wrist.

"She's perfectly stable." His voice carried an unfamiliar roughness.

"Then what's wrong?" Her confused gaze searched his inscrutable dark eyes for answers.

His jaw tightened. "There's been an incident with Victoria's brother. We need plan B."

"What kind of incident?"

Weren't they preparing for the engagement ceremony? Was Alexander Montgomery deliberately provoking the Whitmores right before becoming family?

Evelyn studied Nathaniel's expression, hoping to decipher some clue.

But he turned toward the window instead. "Nothing significant."

Her fingers tightened around the flower bouquet as unanswered questions swirled in her mind.

She knew with certainty he was keeping secrets from her.

Just then, Victoria Hawthorne emerged from the patient room. "Mrs. Whitmore! Your grandmother just woke up asking for you."

Evelyn composed herself with a deep breath before entering with a bright smile. "Grandmother Eleanor, I'm here."

"Evelyn, my dear. Come closer." The elderly woman's frail hand beckoned. "You've lost weight. Is the baby giving you trouble?"

"Not at all. This little one behaves perfectly." She gently cradled her stomach.

Truthfully, the pregnancy had been smooth - only occasional discomfort from overwork, with minimal symptoms.

Eleanor's eyes sparkled as she patted Evelyn's hand. "Now, I need you to sign this document for me."

Evelyn recognized the gift agreement immediately. "Grandmother, I can't possibly accept this."

"Nonsense. This is for my great-grandchild." Eleanor's voice grew firm. "If anything happens during surgery-"

"Don't say that!" Evelyn interrupted. "The procedure will go perfectly. Nathaniel found the best specialist."

"Then sign it to ease an old woman's mind." Eleanor pushed the papers forward. "It's not for you anyway."

Nathaniel entered abruptly. "Just accept it, Evelyn."

Their eyes locked briefly before she took the documents, planning to return them later.

She wanted nothing from the Whitmore fortune.

Eleanor finally smiled. "That's better. Nathaniel, you must take excellent care of them both."

"Grandmother, you know my work keeps me busy." His voice softened painfully. "We need you for that."

Even the powerful Whitmore family couldn't control life's fragility.

Evelyn stayed to cheer Eleanor with amusing stories until the elderly woman drifted back to sleep.

Outside the room, she immediately offered the documents back.

Nathaniel didn't even glance at them. "Grandmother's gift stays with you."

"This is for a baby that doesn't exist." Her hand rested protectively on her stomach. "We both know the truth."

When he refused to take them, she thrust the papers at Robert Chambers instead before walking away.

Not a single Whitmore penny would cross her palms - that was her unbreakable vow.