Chapter 316

Evelyn gave a soft knock before pushing open the hospital room door, her lips curving into a warm smile. "Grandmother, I've come to see you."

Eleanor's face brightened at the sight of her. "Evelyn, you're here so early. Have you eaten breakfast?"

"I have, thank you." Evelyn stepped closer, studying Eleanor's expression. The older woman's cheerful demeanor reassured her—she was in good health today.

Eleanor reached out, gently clasping Evelyn's hand. "I'm perfectly fine, dear. No need to fuss over me. My mind is set on one thing—meeting your little one soon." She chuckled. "I've faced far worse in my youth. Do you really think something as small as this could keep me down?"

At the mention of the baby, Evelyn's chest tightened with guilt. While everyone believed it was a lie, she alone knew the truth—she was carrying Nathaniel's child.

After a brief hesitation, Evelyn guided Eleanor's hand to rest lightly against her barely-there bump. "Grandmother, the baby is waiting for you to get better too."

Eleanor's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she gazed at Evelyn's stomach. "How wonderful. When they arrive, I'll teach them everything, just like I did with Nathaniel when he was a boy."

"We'll both look forward to that," Evelyn murmured, silently willing the twins inside her to hold on until Eleanor safely returned from surgery.

Just then, Eleanor's attention shifted toward the doorway. "Nathaniel, come here. There's something I need to discuss with all of you."

Evelyn turned to see Nathaniel stepping inside. Today, he had forgone his usual tailored suits for more relaxed attire—a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark trousers. The change softened his usual imposing presence, making him appear almost approachable.

He moved to Eleanor's bedside. "Grandmother, can't this wait until after your procedure? We'll have plenty of time later."

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "She's right. There's no hurry. Just focus on resting. We'll be right outside the entire time."

The door swung open again, revealing Beatrice and Penelope.

Beatrice's expression darkened momentarily when she spotted Evelyn, but she quickly schooled her features. With Eleanor's surgery looming, she couldn't afford to make a scene.

Once Eleanor recovered, dealing with Evelyn would become trivial.

Nathaniel's current tolerance of Evelyn was clearly out of concern for his grandmother's condition.

Eleanor waved a dismissive hand. "Some matters shouldn't wait. Listen carefully—when Evelyn's child is born, they will inherit the Whitmore legacy."

Evelyn stiffened. Why would Eleanor make such a declaration now?

Beatrice's lips thinned. "Madam Whitmore, isn't this decision rather premature? Our family's enterprises are vast. What if the chosen heir proves... inadequate?"

She left the rest unspoken—if Victoria married Nathaniel later and bore his child, would that child be excluded from succession? The Sinclair family would never accept such terms.

Besides, Evelyn's pregnancy was a sham. Eleanor was taking this charade too far.

Eleanor's gaze turned steely. "Any child of Nathaniel's will be exceptional. With his guidance, how could they possibly fail?"

She produced a document from her bedside table and handed it to Nathaniel. "This contract ensures your child's position as heir. Sign it."