Chapter 372

Judith Reeves was never an easy woman to handle.

When Evelyn returned home, her eyelids felt like lead weights from exhaustion. She glanced at Margaret.

"I'm craving honey-glazed chicken and pineapple pork tomorrow."

"Of course, dear. I'll get the freshest ingredients at the market. You should invite Christopher over too."

Only then did Evelyn remember Christopher's unusual silence that day. Perhaps guilt was consuming him after what happened with Jonathan.

After a quick shower, she collapsed onto her bed. Nothing could have stopped her from falling asleep—her body demanded rest.

At dawn, her phone's shrill ringtone shattered the silence.

She fumbled for the device. "Hello?"

"Wake up, Evelyn! We're going shopping for Jonathan's recovery meal. At my age, I can't handle these early mornings anymore. Consider this your chance to learn his preferences—"

Evelyn ended the call immediately. 5:03 AM glared from her screen.

Had Judith really called at this ungodly hour just to cook for Jonathan? Absurd!

She silenced her phone, officially resigning from unpaid maid duties. Jonathan's situation didn't concern her anymore.

With Nathaniel involved, Christopher would be fine anyway.

Evelyn burrowed back under the covers, sleeping until sunlight streamed through her curtains. Stretching lazily, she finally felt human again.

Her phone showed seven missed calls from Judith. The woman's persistence knew no bounds.

But Evelyn deserved this break. Pregnancy drained her energy—she couldn't be at everyone's beck and call.

The moment she stepped into the hallway, heavenly aromas from the kitchen made her stomach growl.

"Aunt Margaret, you're a culinary genius!"

"Where's Christopher? Call him over," Margaret suggested while stirring a pot.

Evelyn dialed Christopher's number. The line connected instantly—to a woman's voice.

"Hello?"

Evelyn froze. This wasn't the usual assistant. Had Christopher moved on already?

Remembering last time's embarrassment, she muttered, "Wrong number," and hung up.

If Christopher had female company now, they'd probably spent the night together. Best not to disturb.

"He's swamped with work," Evelyn told Margaret, happily devouring the entire honey-glazed chicken herself later.

Her heart and stomach overflowed with contentment. Nothing compared to good food and peace.

"Evelyn, your appetite's grown remarkably," Margaret observed. "You're practically glowing. Though careful—that belly might make people think you're expecting!"

Evelyn's smile faltered for a millisecond. "Oh, I'm definitely expecting... more chicken and pork!"

Margaret's laughter filled the kitchen.

Post-lunch, Evelyn lounged on the sofa when her phone buzzed—Jonathan this time.

She moved to the balcony. "Jonathan?"

"Don't mind Mother. She means well, always fussing over me."

"I get that. But please ask her to stop calling me. Since I'll never be her daughter-in-law, she needn't train me for the role." Her voice stayed flat.

"What's that supposed to mean? You're not coming to the hospital anymore?" Jonathan's tone sharpened.