Chapter 393

Evelyn's heart churned as she met Eleanor's earnest gaze.

She forced a gentle smile. "The baby is perfectly healthy, please don't worry."

Eleanor's eyes flickered toward Nathaniel. Understanding the unspoken request, Evelyn continued, "Nathaniel has been... considerate. He's made sure I lack for nothing. I haven't been to the studio lately—between the pregnancy and my classes, I'm constantly exhausted."

Nathaniel's piercing stare burned into Evelyn's profile, but he remained silent.

Eleanor gave a weak nod of approval.

Evelyn leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "You must focus on recovering. The sooner you get better, the sooner you can personally supervise my pregnancy."

A fragile peace settled over Eleanor's features before tears welled in her eyes. Evelyn dabbed them away with a tissue. "Rest now. We'll visit again soon."

Eleanor blinked slowly in acknowledgment before fixing Nathaniel with another meaningful look.

Though Evelyn understood the silent demand, she kept her eyes lowered. She couldn't bear to witness whatever performance Nathaniel might stage.

After an excruciating pause, Nathaniel finally spoke. "She'll be safe with me."

Only then did Eleanor's eyelids flutter shut in sleep. Evelyn carefully tucked the blankets around her before following Nathaniel into the hallway.

She inhaled sharply. "I should go."

"Evelyn Carter."

Her steps faltered but she didn't turn. "Yes?"

Nathaniel's voice carried an unfamiliar weight. "My protection extends beyond today. Remember that."

The words confused her. How could her greatest threat suddenly offer sanctuary?

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Thank you, but unnecessary. I'll have Jonathan drop the charges. Consider us even."

Without waiting for a response, she hurried toward the elevators.

+15 BONOS

Inside the descending lift, Evelyn cradled her stomach. Between Eleanor's intervention and Nathaniel's sudden willingness to preserve their marriage, she dared hope the baby might survive this nightmare.

This unexpected reprieve came courtesy of Eleanor's timely awakening. Without it... Evelyn shuddered at the possibilities narrowly avoided.

Julian waited anxiously in the lobby. At the sight of her, tension visibly drained from his shoulders. "He didn't hurt you?"

"Not with Eleanor watching." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Let's leave."

Only when they were safely in the car did Julian exhale deeply. "The family knows about your injuries, but not the pregnancy. Only about Jonathan pushing you. Andrew is already en route to Bern City."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her seatbelt. "Julian, I won't press charges. The real danger came from Nathaniel. But we've reached... an understanding. The baby will be safe."