Chapter 129

Mrs. Stapleton was about to push the door open when she nearly collided with Evelyn Carter.

"Dr. Carter..." Mrs. Stapleton froze for a moment before forcing a smile. "Perfect timing."

Evelyn gave a slight nod and walked straight to the hospital bed.

"Evelyn..." Natalie Stapleton reached out with trembling hands.

Evelyn grasped her icy fingers. "Why are your hands so cold?"

Natalie bit her lip, casting a fearful glance at Mrs. Stapleton. "Help me..."

"Don't be afraid," Evelyn gently patted the back of her hand. "No one can force you to terminate the pregnancy without your consent."

"But what if... the family signs the papers?"

"The law states that termination requires the pregnant woman's own signature."

Natalie's tense shoulders finally relaxed.

Mrs. Stapleton scoffed. "Dr. Carter, why the riddles? If it's a boy, the whole family would be thrilled. Your secrecy only raises suspicions..."

"Auntie," Evelyn interrupted. "Fetal gender testing is illegal. Even if you bring the hospital director here, my answer remains the same."

"Stubborn fool!" Mrs. Stapleton waved her hand impatiently. "Then discharge us. We're transferring hospitals tomorrow."

"Where to?"

"Hong Kong."

"No!" Natalie suddenly shrieked, clutching Evelyn's white coat desperately. "Evelyn, please save me..."

It took Evelyn a long time to calm her down.

Mrs. Stapleton stood to the side, muttering "drama queen" under her breath.

"Where's Simon?" Evelyn asked.

"At work. Should he just sit around all day?"

"Natalie needs her husband's support right now."

"Support what?" Mrs. Stapleton sneered. "In my day, women worked until the day they gave birth. Now she's pampered with good food and still depressed? Who's she trying to fool?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Prenatal depression is a real condition—"

"Enough!" Mrs. Stapleton cut her off. "If you won't do the test, stop wasting our time. Just prepare the discharge papers!"

A phone suddenly rang.

It was Alexander Hamilton.

"Off work yet?" he asked.

Evelyn checked the time. "Still handling Natalie's situation."

"Need help? I'm at the hospital entrance."

Evelyn paused, then had a sudden thought. "Don't come in. I'll be right out."