Chapter 267

Margaret Evans tore the ice pack from her forehead, her face livid. "Did you come to visit or to provoke me? If it weren't for that child in her belly, trash like her would never set foot in our family!"

Isabella Evans rolled her eyes. "You brought this on yourself. Anyone with eyes can see her schemes—only you still believe she's some pure white lotus."

She'd seen through Chloe Valentine long ago, yet her mother remained oblivious.

Nathan Evans rushed to the hospital upon hearing his mother was admitted. As he approached the room, heated arguing spilled into the hallway.

"What's going on?" He pushed open the door, his voice icy.

Margaret immediately straightened. "Perfect timing! That girlfriend of yours is utterly lawless! I kindly went to pick her up after class, but she gave me the wrong time and even dared to disrespect me in public!"

"My vertigo hasn't flared in years—she drove me straight to the hospital today!"

Isabella scoffed. "Mom, tread carefully. Chloe is still Nathan's choice. Badmouth her now, and when they reconcile, you'll just be the wicked mother-in-law."

She deliberately redirected. "Honestly, things were better with Evelyn Langley. Now we've lost a golden phoenix and gotten stuck with some wild pheasant."

Nathan's expression darkened.

Ignoring their bickering, he went straight to consult the attending physician. Confirming his mother's condition wasn't serious, he left without another word.

Back at the villa, a soft body flung itself at him. Chloe stood there in a black silk nightgown, the plunging neckline revealing pale skin glowing under the lights.

"Nathan, you're finally—"

Her sugary voice cut off abruptly as he shoved her away, even brushing off his sleeve in disgust.

"Nathan..."

Slap!

The sharp crack echoed as Chloe staggered back, her cheek burning.

"Who gave you permission to disrespect my mother?"

Tears spilled down her face. "I only spoke the truth! Why do you only believe her side? I'm human too—I have the right to voice my thoughts!"

Nathan sneered. "Didn't you bring this on yourself?"

The words stabbed like knives. He'd originally told her to abort the child and take the money, but unwilling to accept defeat, she'd gone straight to Margaret.

"You chose to climb up using my mother—don't play the innocent now." His words dripped venom. "This hypocrisy disgusts me."

"I didn't... I just love you so much, wanted to have our baby..." Her pitiful sobs were artful.

"Love?" His gaze turned arctic. "You're unworthy of that word. Without my mother's protection, you wouldn't even be standing here."

Her pent-up grievances erupted. "After everything I've sacrificed for you, you're still blind to it? Is it because you're still hung up on Evelyn?"

"What if I am?" Nathan didn't deny it.

"How am I inferior to her? My love for you—"

"Enough." A vein throbbed at his temple. "Her name doesn't belong in your mouth."

He turned toward the stairs, delivering his ultimatum. "Apologize to my mother by tomorrow, or get out."