Chapter 459

Evelyn watched Eleanor's radiant smile as she browsed through baby items, her heart twisting with guilt.

If she vanished without warning later, Eleanor would be shattered - not just for her, but for the grandchildren she believed were coming.

Perhaps the kindest thing would be to reveal the deception now.

Evelyn considered confessing that her pregnancy was merely a ruse to convince Eleanor to undergo the life-saving surgery.

Though the revelation would hurt, it might spare Eleanor greater pain when Evelyn eventually disappeared from Bern City.

"Evelyn dear, you wanted to tell me something?" Eleanor's gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.

Meeting those warm eyes, Evelyn felt tears prick her own. "Grandmother, I need to confess something. All this time, I've been—"

"Grandmother!" Nathaniel's commanding voice sliced through the room like a blade.

The door swung open as he strode in, his polished Oxfords clicking against the tile floor. Evelyn's breath hitched when she saw him - immaculate in his navy pinstripe suit, the crisp white cuffs of his shirt peeking beneath the jacket.

Her fingers curled into fists. She'd been moments from the truth.

Of course Nathaniel would appear precisely when she least wanted him to. The timing was infuriating.

At this hour, shouldn't he be buried in paperwork at Whitmore Enterprises? What business did he have disrupting her confession?

Eleanor arched an eyebrow at her grandson. "Finally decided to visit your ailing grandmother, have you?"

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable. "I was here Thursday, Grandmother."

Eleanor huffed. "Coming alone? You might as well have stayed away." Her demeanor softened as she turned back to Evelyn. "Now darling, why don't you choose something you like?"

"I'll have it purchased and prepared for when your little ones arrive."

Evelyn's stomach churned at Eleanor's joyful anticipation.

Accepting the tablet, she stared at the screen displaying luxury cribs and designer strollers, her throat tightening.

"By the way," Eleanor added, "what were you about to say earlier?"

The tablet grew heavy in Evelyn's hands. Under Nathaniel's piercing gaze, the confession withered on her tongue.

"Nothing important," she forced a smile. "Just that my university hall design project was approved. I wanted to share the good news."

Eleanor beamed. "Marvelous! Now that your workload has lightened, you must rest properly."

"I've noticed you've lost weight, darling. Pregnancy takes its toll - don't make me worry about you."

Evelyn nodded. "After this busy period, I'll focus solely on my final classes and graduation preparations."

At the word "graduation," Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. Eleanor nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Once you've graduated, you can concentrate on your health. We'll handle everything else after the babies come."

Evelyn kept her eyes fixed on the tablet, unable to meet Eleanor's expectant gaze. The cheerful pastel nursery items blurred before her eyes.

"Grandmother, it's difficult to choose without seeing the items in person."

Eleanor brightened. "Since Nathaniel's here, why don't you both visit the boutique together?"

Evelyn's head snapped up. "I'm sure he's far too busy—"

"I have time," Nathaniel interjected smoothly. "We can go now."