Chapter 202

"Evelyn instinctively protected her abdomen when I lunged at her. Her reaction was too visceral. I've had my suspicions for months, but today confirmed everything."

"Why should I trust you? Your last scheme backfired spectacularly. My entire family reprimanded me because of your ridiculous rumors!"

Bitterness twisted Cassandra's features as she thought, "Of course. Penelope gets away with everything because she's a Whitmore, while I bear all the consequences. No one ever listens to my side."

Her voice turned glacial. "Evelyn has protection - that famous actor Daniel Montgomery. I'd bet my last dollar he's the father."

Penelope tapped her manicured nails thoughtfully. "You might be onto something."

Daniel's interference had ruined Penelope's plans to humiliate Evelyn publicly. The memory still rankled.

She examined her fresh French tips. "But accusations require proof. Get me concrete evidence of Evelyn's pregnancy, and we'll talk."

"I'll manage it. Though Ms. Whitmore, you're aware of my current... predicament." Cassandra's jaw tightened. "Jobless, reputation in tatters. I require financial assistance."

Penelope's eye roll was theatrical. "I'll transfer two thousand dors. Bring me proof, and you'll get proper compensation."

The notification chimed. Cassandra's fingers clenched around her phone. This paltry sum wouldn't have covered her monthly spa treatments before. Penelope was mocking her.

Yet desperation won over pride.

As she left, Cassandra cast one last venomous look at the studio building. Evelyn and Penelope would both pay for this humiliation.

Meanwhile, Evelyn slumped in her chair, pulse hammering violently. The confrontation had left her shaken.

Jonathan approached with a steaming mug. "Drink this. You're white as a sheet."

"Thanks... for earlier." The chamomile tea steadied her hands slightly, but did nothing for the nausea rising in her throat.

Suddenly the room tilted. She gripped the desk. "Jonathan—"

"Evelyn!"

Her knees buckled before she could respond.

Jonathan caught her effortlessly. "I've got you. Hospital. Now."

Through gritted teeth, Evelyn gasped, "St. Mary's." Julian would ensure discretion there.

During the frantic drive, Jonathan kept murmuring reassurances while Evelyn fought to stay conscious. With trembling fingers, she dialed her brother.

Julian answered on the first ring. "Evie? What's—"

"Stomach... pain... St. Mary's..." Each word cost her.

"Don't move! I'm coming!"

Relief flooded her. Julian would handle everything. No one could discover her condition.

As Jonathan carried her through the emergency entrance, Nathaniel and Victoria emerged from a parked Mercedes.

Victoria was mid-sentence when Nathaniel froze. "—and the surgical team prepared— Nathaniel? What—"

Her gaze followed his.

Evelyn's unconscious form was disappearing through the automatic doors in another man's arms.