Chapter 77

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat when she spotted Eleanor and Beatrice lounging on the couch. Their presence was unexpectedly intimidating.

Hadn't Nathaniel assured her Eleanor wouldn’t arrive for another two days?

Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Evelyn, darling! You're back! Come here!"

Eleanor waved at her with warm enthusiasm.

Forcing a bright smile, Evelyn slipped off her shoes and calmly handed her bag to Abigail.

Thankfully, she hadn’t brought her suitcase. Otherwise, her secret would’ve been exposed immediately.

Evelyn crossed the room with measured steps, settling beside Eleanor. When she took the older woman’s hand, she noticed how much colder it felt than before.

Nathaniel had been right—Eleanor’s health wasn’t at its best.

Eleanor squeezed Evelyn’s fingers gently. "At first, I worried you two might struggle to get along. But seeing your wedding photo in the living room put my mind at ease."

Only then did Evelyn notice the framed portrait of her and Nathaniel hanging prominently on the wall.

She stiffened for a fraction of a second, her smile turning strained.

That photo had been a petty move, meant solely to annoy Nathaniel. The wall had looked far more elegant without it.

Now, it was mocking her. The garish display made her skin crawl.

Evelyn maintained her polite smile, silently cursing Nathaniel under her breath.

Beatrice suddenly spoke up. "Have you eaten?"

The question caught Evelyn off guard.

Instinctively, she nodded. "Yes, I have."

Beatrice’s lips thinned. "Hmph. So you’ve eaten, but my son hasn’t. Is this how you care for him? Can’t even be bothered to cook?"

Eleanor intervened smoothly. "They have staff for that. No need to trouble Evelyn."

"Mother, it’s different!"

"How? You’re my daughter-in-law too, yet I never demanded you cook."

Beatrice fell silent. Evelyn ducked her head, suppressing a smirk.

As always, Eleanor was the only one who could shut Beatrice down.

While they talked, Evelyn discreetly texted Nathaniel.

"Your grandmother’s here. Get back now."

No way was she handling this alone.

Thirty minutes later, Nathaniel finally walked in.

Beatrice rushed to him. "Nathaniel, you must be exhausted. The food’s ready—eat first. Don’t worry about us."

Evelyn rose gracefully. "Sweetheart, dinner’s waiting. I’ll join you."

She followed him to the dining room, leaving Eleanor and Beatrice behind.

Once out of earshot, Evelyn exhaled sharply. "You’re unbelievable. I nearly got caught!"

Nathaniel pulled out his chair. "Grandmother isn’t easily fooled."

Evelyn eyed the spread on the table and helped herself despite having eaten earlier. Lately, her appetite had grown—probably the pregnancy’s doing.

Nathaniel glanced up. "Have you gained weight?"

Evelyn choked on her bite.

Flustered, she touched her face. "Have I?"

His gaze lingered. "Your cheeks are rounder."

She immediately set down her fork. What if she ate too much and her bump became obvious? She needed restraint.

Nathaniel smirked. "Keep eating. A little extra padding might help with that thin skin of yours."

Jerk. If he can’t say anything nice, he should just stay quiet.

She bit back the retort.

After dinner, Eleanor yawned. "Well, I’m satisfied seeing you two so happy. I won’t intrude on the newlyweds any longer. Nathaniel, work harder. I saw the crib in the guest room. I believe in you!"