Chapter 236

Evelyn Carter gently held Natalie Stapleton's wrist as they walked side by side toward the checkout counter.

Vivian Dempsey handed Natalie the shopping list. "Twenty-five items—all lingerie and undergarments. We've nearly spent the budget. Take a look."

Natalie pressed her lips together and nodded. "I trust your judgment, Vivian."

"Then let's pay."

Natalie's fingers trembled slightly as she pulled out her credit card.

Evelyn covered her hand. "Take a deep breath."

Natalie inhaled sharply and quickly signed the receipt.

"Here you go." The clerk handed over the elegantly wrapped shopping bags with both hands.

Vivian reached out to take them. "Pregnant women shouldn't carry heavy things. I'll handle it."

"Miss Dempsey, would you like us to deliver these to your car?"

"No need." Vivian suddenly remembered something. "What's the return policy?"

"Fifteen days."

A satisfied smirk curled Vivian's lips. "Good. We'll return anything that doesn't fit."

The clerk maintained a polite smile. "We're always at your service."

Once outside, Natalie hesitated. "Will returning items affect their sales performance?"

Vivian shrugged. "We can always keep one or two pieces. If you feel bad, we can compensate them privately—double their commission."

"Then could you ask for me—"

Ding—

The elevator doors slid open.

Evelyn's pupils constricted. She pulled Natalie aside. "Let's take the other way."

"Dr. Carter!"

Annabelle Taylor hurried after them, blocking their path. Though wearing light makeup, the dark circles under her eyes were unmistakable. "Could I buy you coffee? You never accepted my friend request..."

"Not interested." Vivian stepped between them. "Move."

Annabelle's voice shook. "I know I've done terrible things. I just want to apologize in person—"

"Apologies are worthless." Vivian sneered. "Stop playing the victim. Losing your baby was karma, and Grandma Hamilton haunting you in dreams is poetic justice. Keep harassing us, and I'll call Alexander Hamilton right now!"

Annabelle paled, tears spilling over. "I truly regret everything... The doctor said I can never conceive again. This is my punishment..." She suddenly grabbed Evelyn's wrist. "Dr. Carter, please—just five minutes—"

"Let go!" Vivian slapped her hand away. "Security! This woman is harassing customers!"

Annabelle staggered back, her tear-filled eyes pleading with Evelyn. "Do it... for my unborn child's soul..."

Vivian pulled out her phone. "I'm calling Alexander. Let him see how unhinged his 'Unattainable Love' has become!"