Chapter 151

Vivian Dempsey had never seen Evelyn Carter lose control like this. She stood frozen, barely daring to breathe.

"Alexander Hamilton," Evelyn's voice was glacial. "We're over. Don't contact me again. Whatever happens between you and Annabelle is none of my business."

Silence stretched for several seconds on the line.

"Annabelle..." Alexander's voice cracked with strain. "She can never conceive again."

Vivian gasped. "What?"

"The doctors said the miscarriage damaged her uterus..."

Evelyn's fingers tightened unconsciously around the armrest.

Alexander gave a bitter laugh. "You were right. I brought this on myself. Take care, Evelyn."

The moment the call ended, Evelyn collapsed into the sofa as if all strength had left her.

So Annabelle's condition was this severe.

"My God," Vivian murmured. "The Hamiltons will—"

"Not my concern." Evelyn cut her off with terrifying calm.

The next morning during rounds, Evelyn made a point of visiting Natalie Stapleton.

The girl had wasted away to skin and bones. Her once-round cheeks were sunken, dark circles bruising her eyes.

"Dr. Carter." Natalie forced a weak smile.

Evelyn gently took her skeletal hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine." Natalie's fingers drifted to her swollen abdomen. "But my mother-in-law keeps saying—"

"She came again?"

"Went back to her hometown." Natalie's smile turned bitter. "Said my belly looks wrong. Kept insisting on a gender test..."

Evelyn frowned. "Where's Simon?"

"He..." Natalie's gaze darted away. "Said he's busy with work."

Evelyn's lips curled coldly.

She knew Simon Stapleton too well. The moment Annabelle's scandal broke, he'd vanished faster than anyone.

"Natalie." Evelyn met her eyes directly. "Is this really the marriage you want to keep?"

Tears welled suddenly in Natalie's eyes. "But what about the baby..."