Chapter 237

"Don't—" Annabelle clutched Vivian's sleeve desperately, her fingertips trembling. "About Grandma Hamilton... and that child of Evelyn's... He wants me dead right now. If it weren't for my parents' sake, I would've already— Miss Dempsey, please don't call him!"

Vivian shoved her away in disgust. "Then stay the hell away from Evelyn! You made your bed, now lie in it. Evelyn isn't some saint reincarnated—why should she help you? Get lost! Evelyn, Natalie, let's go—"

Annabelle froze.

"Natalie? Simon Stapleton's wife, Natalie?"

The gaunt woman before her was unrecognizable from the radiant bride at the wedding, her swollen belly the only prominent feature.

Evelyn immediately shielded Natalie. "We have nothing to discuss. Leave."

Annabelle's gaze dropped to the luxury shopping bag in Vivian's hand. "Out shopping? For Natalie?"

Vivian tensed. "None of your business."

"I'm just surprised you three are so close..."

"I buy gifts for whoever I want. Got a problem?"

"No, no," Annabelle backtracked hastily. "I just didn't expect to see Natalie here. Simon said she went back to her hometown for bed rest..."

Vivian's stomach dropped.

If Annabelle knew Simon, any leak could be disastrous—

Evelyn cut in calmly, "Natalie came for a prenatal checkup and to visit her father."

"I see. Though pregnant women should rest more." Annabelle's pointed look at Natalie's belly didn't go unnoticed.

Vivian scoffed. "With Evelyn around, your concern isn't needed. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement to Alexander. Don't invite me to the wedding—bad luck."

Evelyn tugged her arm. "Let's go."

Vivian shot Annabelle a warning glare. "Follow us and see what happens."

But Annabelle persisted. "Dr. Carter, just two minutes... Grandma Hamilton's death is driving me insane—"

Ding—

The elevator doors slid open again.

Alexander stormed out, his face darkening at the sight of Annabelle.

"Alexander..." She shrank back.

He strode past her without a glance. "Go," he told Evelyn.

She ushered Natalie into another elevator without hesitation.

As the doors closed, Alexander's suppressed roar echoed through the lobby: "What the hell are you doing here?!"

"It really was coincidence this time, I swear—"

"Annabelle, my patience has limits. She's my final red line. Touch her again and you'll regret it."

In the car, Vivian side-eyed Evelyn. "...You heard all that?"

Evelyn stared out the window. "Heard what?"

Vivian smirked but didn't press further.

Natalie gently squeezed Evelyn's hand. "You've saved me twice now. If you ever need anything..."

Evelyn returned the squeeze. "Just focus on recovering. The less complications during surgery, the biggest favor you can do me."