Chapter 259

Mrs. Stapleton's face twisted with uncertainty, her fingers clutching at her sleeves. "Impossible! I consulted so many specialists, made you drink all those gender-altering tonics—how could it be a girl? Someone must be lying to you!"

Natalie let out a bitter laugh, yanking up her hospital gown to reveal her bruised abdomen. "Look what you've done! Those drugs turned my daughter into a monster!"

Mrs. Stapleton staggered back, lips trembling. "This... this..."

"Happy now?" Natalie's eyes brimmed with tears. "Your precious grandson is neither boy nor girl—just a deformed thing! Do you think Simon would hesitate to strangle it if he knew?"

The older woman paled, lowering her voice. "Family scandals shouldn't be aired in public. Let's discuss this in the room—"

"Afraid?" Natalie sneered. "Isn't your son busy chasing the Hardy heiress? What if people found out he already has a... malformed child?"

Mrs. Stapleton's expression contorted, a glint flashing in her eyes. "Simon really...?"

"Stop pretending," Natalie scoffed. "He's been at Hardy Group every day. Didn't he tell his dear mother?"

The older woman's lips twitched upward before she forced them down, her face wrinkling like crumpled paper.

Leaning against the wall, Natalie's voice was weak but firm. "I've signed the divorce papers. Push me, and I'll call Miss Hardy right now about Simon's... unresolved marital status."

"Don't!" Mrs. Stapleton flapped her hands. "Natalie, let's talk this through—"

"Get out." Natalie turned away in disgust.

Mrs. Stapleton scurried off, her retreating figure practically vibrating with poorly concealed excitement.

Gregory wheeled a chair over, and Natalie collapsed into it with a pained laugh. "Worth it."

Evelyn stamped her foot. "Are you trying to kill yourself? What if your stitches tear?"

"Dr. Carter," Natalie blinked up at her. "Prescribe me some painkillers?"

"Dream on," Evelyn snapped.

From the shadows of the hallway, the hospital director sighed heavily. "Evelyn, Gregory—my office. Now."

The two doctors exchanged a glance before following him.

Alone in her room, Natalie stared at the ceiling, silent tears tracing down her temples.