Chapter 258

Vivian Dempsey rolled up her sleeves, eyes blazing with fury. "I've had enough of you! Today you're going to get what's coming to you!"

Evelyn Carter quickly stepped between them.

Vivian stomped her foot in frustration. "Why are you stopping me? That old witch deserves it! I promise I won't kill her—just come bail me out from the police station later—"

She wrenched herself free from Evelyn's grip and lunged forward.

Mrs. Stapleton immediately collapsed to the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs. "This is an outrage! First my grandson is gone, now you're bullying me! Is there no justice left in this world?"

Vivian's eyes turned bloodshot. "Evelyn, let me go!"

"Don't be rash," Evelyn whispered urgently, wrapping both arms around her waist. "Remember why we're here."

Vivian glared at Mrs. Stapleton, hissing through clenched teeth. "Stop your pathetic act! If you cared about your daughter-in-law, you'd be at her bedside instead of putting on this show!"

Mrs. Stapleton wailed louder. "I demand to see your hospital director! Your institution is negligent with human lives—I want answers!"

Vivian scoffed. "The director? You think you're worthy? After what you did to your own daughter, you dare make demands?"

"My grandson is dead! This isn't over!"

Vivian grabbed a chair, ready to swing. Evelyn barely managed to restrain her.

"I'll give you your answer."

Everyone turned toward the frail voice. Natalie Stapleton stood in her hospital gown, supported by the director and Olivia Lightfoot.

Her face was ghostly pale, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. Yet she bit her lip stubbornly, taking one painful step after another toward the commotion.

Evelyn rushed forward. "Natalie, you shouldn't be out of bed—"

Natalie gently squeezed her hand. "Let me handle this myself, Evelyn."

Evelyn's heart ached at her pallor. Having performed the surgery, she knew exactly how much pain Natalie was enduring.

"Olivia! Why didn't you stop her?"

Olivia shrank back, but the director spoke firmly. "I approved it. Natalie told me everything. Let her settle this her way."

As Evelyn hesitated, she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

Gregory Wilson had appeared behind her. He gave a slight nod. "Let her go."

Natalie stopped before Mrs. Stapleton and smiled coldly. "So you came."

Mrs. Stapleton immediately clutched at her. "Natalie, my poor girl! My heart breaks for—"

Natalie shoved her away violently, sending the older woman stumbling back.

"I chose to terminate the pregnancy. Evelyn had nothing to do with it."

Mrs. Stapleton gaped. "Have you lost your mind? That was your child!"

"Yes," Natalie said, tears welling. "My child. But did you ever care?"

"Of course I cared! That was my grandson!"

Natalie enunciated each word with icy precision.

"Pity. It wasn't a grandson."