Chapter 381

Evelyn lost control and shouted at Nathaniel, her maternal instincts roaring to life.

She knew his stubborn nature all too well. If he threatened to arrange an abortion, he would make it happen.

The hospital room plunged into silence.

Nathaniel's eyes darkened with disbelief. "What did you just say?"

His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his piercing gaze.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "You heard me."

Regret twisted inside her, but she had no choice. This was his territory—his influence could erase her child in an instant.

Nathaniel's attention dropped to her stomach.

A shudder ran through Evelyn as she instinctively shielded her belly, but he shoved her hand away. The weight of his stare paralyzed her. She and her unborn child were at his mercy.

He exhaled sharply, his expression unreadable. Then, his voice came out rough. "That's mine?"

"Yes," Evelyn admitted quickly. She needed to pacify him, buy time until she could reach her brothers in Nord City. Once there, Nathaniel would never find her.

But his lips curled into a sneer. "Evelyn Carter, do you think I'm an idiot? Lying to protect some bastard? Where's your dignity?"

Her breath hitched. He doubted her?

"It is yours," she insisted.

Nathaniel scoffed. "You've spread your legs for half the city. How can you be sure?" His voice dripped with venom. "I never even wanted you."

Her cheeks burned. "You did. Once. Or have you forgotten?"

His jaw tightened. "Because you drugged me."

Her heart cracked. "So you don't believe me."

"Not a chance." He released her and stepped back, his voice glacial. "I'll arrange the procedure."

Evelyn's voice trembled as he turned to leave. "Would you keep it... if it were really yours?"

She held onto that fragile hope. If he hesitated, she'd demand a paternity test.

But Nathaniel didn't even glance back. "There's no if in this world."

The door slammed shut behind him.

Evelyn's composure shattered. Hot tears spilled down her face as she stared at the ceiling, choking back sobs. She'd asked him this before—why hadn't she learned?

Why did she keep hurting herself? The man she loved never existed.

Curling into herself, she cradled her stomach, whispering, "Don't be afraid, little one. Mommy won't let anything happen to you."

Outside the ward, Nathaniel stood rigid in the hallway, his tie ripped off, fists clenched. The urge to destroy something clawed at him.

Robert, his assistant, paled at the sight. It had been years since he'd seen Nathaniel this unhinged.