Chapter 142

Annabelle Taylor's face drained of all color in an instant.

Evelyn Carter caught the flicker of shock and panic in her eyes.

It seemed even Annabelle herself wasn't certain about the baby's paternity.

"As a doctor, I shouldn't disclose patient confidentiality." Evelyn's voice was measured and clear. "Ms. Taylor has every right to sue me for privacy violation. I accept that. But—"

Her sharp gaze swept over the crowd. "Ms. Taylor has publicly slandered me and damaged this hospital's reputation. I must set the record straight. This isn't just about our credibility—it affects every expectant mother's trust in our care."

Evelyn rose gracefully, her skirt swaying. "I've said my piece. Does Ms. Taylor have anything to add?"

The air turned to ice.

The biracial baby's skin tone was a slap across Annabelle's face.

Evelyn almost laughed.

A darkly humorous thought crossed her mind—what expression would Alexander Hamilton wear when this Black child was born?

Would he still let the baby bear the Hamilton name?

If he could stomach that, she'd truly admire his "magnanimity."

"Nothing else?" Evelyn pressed. When Annabelle remained silent, she addressed the crowd. "Please disperse. This is an emergency access lane—"

"Look out!"

A scream shattered the tension.

Evelyn whirled around to see Annabelle sprinting madly into oncoming traffic.

Screeching brakes tore through the air.

"Car accident!"

"Call an ambulance!"

Chaos erupted. Thankfully, Olivia Lightfoot arrived with security, swiftly restoring order.

ER staff rushed over with a stretcher. Annabelle lay bleeding on the pavement, whisked away to surgery.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

......

Five hours later, the OR lights finally dimmed.

The lead surgeon, Dr. Porter—nearing retirement—was drained. Gregory Wilson supported her as she emerged, her white coat soaked with sweat.

Olivia handed her water.

"We lost the baby," Dr. Porter rasped.

Olivia exhaled in relief. "At least the mother survived. With her cervical cerclage history, I feared—"

Gregory's gaze lingered on Evelyn. "The impact was severe. Her survival is miraculous."

Olivia muttered, "Thank God it wasn't a maternal-fetal death. Otherwise, Dr. Carter would never clear her name..."

Noticing Evelyn's silence, Gregory called softly, "Evelyn?"

No response.

"Evelyn?" His voice trembled slightly this time.