Chapter 128

Evelyn's knuckles turned white as she gripped her phone.

She knew Grandma Hamilton's condition better than anyone. The elderly woman had survived these three years only thanks to Dr. Porter's masterful stent surgery.

"Does Annabelle know about this?" Evelyn asked softly. "The elderly shouldn't be subjected to stress."

"Grandma never approved of her."

Evelyn paused. "Why?"

A bitter chuckle came through the line. "Childhood incidents. Grandma is devout—she can't stand cruelty to living things."

A memory flashed through Evelyn's mind. Right. Annabelle had once killed a cage of chicks in a fit of anger.

"So you're keeping it from her?"

"Grandma only recognizes you now." Alexander's voice was weary. "She keeps asking to see her granddaughter-in-law."

Evelyn sensed something. "Annabelle hasn't been with you recently?"

"She's been spending time with Simon Stapleton."

A relieved sigh escaped through the phone.

"Military Medical Hospital?" Evelyn frowned. "Why not Central Hospital?"

Silence. That said everything. He was avoiding Annabelle.

"I'll go after work," Evelyn finally relented.

"I'll pick you up."

"No." Her tone was firm. "I'll take a cab."

The line went quiet for a long moment.

"I'm sorry," he rasped.

"Don't be." Evelyn gazed out the window. "Grandma Hamilton treated me like her own. I owe her this."

Before leaving work, Evelyn made a detour to the OB-GYN ward.

Natalie Stapleton curled up alone on the hospital bed while Mrs. Stapleton prattled on. "Hong Kong has better technology. If it's a girl, we should terminate early—"

"Mom!" Natalie clutched her abdomen protectively. "This is my child!"

"What's the point of raising a worthless girl?" Mrs. Stapleton narrowed her eyes. "Do you know something? Did that Dr. Carter tell you the gender?"

Natalie paled, shaking her head frantically.

"I'm going to your father right now!" Mrs. Stapleton stood abruptly. "A hospital director can't control one little doctor?"