Chapter 280

Julian and Evelyn exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes flickering with unspoken tension.

Eleanor broke the silence first, waving at Evelyn with a warm smile. "Evelyn, darling! Don't just linger by the door—come in."

Forcing a polite smile, Evelyn reluctantly stepped forward. Her gaze briefly caught the fresh flowers in the vase before she turned to Eleanor. "How have you been feeling lately?"

"I’ve been quite well," Eleanor replied, taking Evelyn’s hand and studying her closely. "But you, my dear, look more exhausted than last time. Is your workload too demanding?"

Evelyn cleared her throat softly. "Not exactly. I’ve actually gained some weight recently."

She had been meticulously watching her diet, terrified that any noticeable change might reveal the secret she carried—her growing belly, the undeniable proof of her pregnancy.

"Gained weight?" Eleanor frowned, shaking her head. "Nonsense. You look thinner, if anything."

She squeezed Evelyn’s hand gently. "Remember, you're not just caring for yourself anymore. There’s a little one depending on you now. Don’t push yourself too hard."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Please, Eleanor, don’t say another word.

Running into Julian today had already been disastrous.

And now, Eleanor had unwittingly exposed her secret. How could she possibly explain this to Julian?

With a strained smile, Evelyn replied, "My workload isn’t too heavy, really."

Eleanor tutted. "Evelyn, I have no issue with you working, but circumstances have changed. You must prioritize your health. After the baby arrives, there will be plenty of time to return to your career."

She winked playfully. "I could even speak to Nathaniel about securing you a designer position at Whitmore Enterprises. As the young Mrs. Whitmore, no one would dare mistreat you."

Evelyn’s heart sank.

There was no salvaging this now. Eleanor had shattered the careful illusion Evelyn had maintained in front of Julian.

Evelyn refused to look in Julian’s direction, her stomach twisting with dread.

Instead, she kept her focus on Eleanor. "Grandmother, I understand. Please don’t worry about me."

Eleanor nodded firmly. "I know you value your independence, but I’ll speak to Nathaniel. When you’re ready to return, he’ll ensure you’re well taken care of. It’s settled."

Evelyn sighed inwardly. "We’ll discuss it when the time comes."

What Eleanor didn’t know was that Evelyn wouldn’t even be in Bern City by then.

Of course, she couldn’t reveal that now.

If the Whitmores discovered her pregnancy, escaping would become impossible—and protecting her child even harder.

Julian finally spoke up, his voice tight. "Grandmother, your checkup is finished. You should rest now."

Eleanor nodded, and the butler promptly ushered the medical team out.

Evelyn risked a glance at Julian, her anxiety spiking. How was she going to explain this?

Moments later, her phone buzzed with a message from Julian:

"Meet me outside. Now."

Evelyn exhaled shakily. There was no avoiding this conversation.

Sooner or later, this confrontation was inevitable.

After lingering a few more minutes with Eleanor, Evelyn excused herself, claiming she wanted to wash some fruit.

Tray in hand, she stepped out of the room—and found Julian waiting, his expression unreadable.

Without preamble, he demanded, "Evelyn. What exactly is your relationship with Nathaniel Whitmore?"