Chapter 454

Sophia Winston's gaze swept over Evelyn Carter with lingering scrutiny. Even after confirming her physician credentials, the wariness in her eyes remained.

Evelyn remained composed. "Please wait a moment."

Professionalism kept Sophia's smile polished. "Of course."

Evelyn dialed Olivia Lightfoot's number openly.

"Dr. Carter!" Olivia's voice bubbled with delight. "How's your injury? The department's been swamped—I haven't had time to check on you."

"Almost healed." Evelyn cut to the chase. "Olivia, do you recall a patient named Sophia Winston from OB-GYN?"

Paper rustled through the receiver. "Yes. Hers was a special case."

After summarizing the situation, Evelyn asked, "Could you send her records? I need the test results for diagnosis."

"Well..." Olivia hesitated. "Hospital policy—"

"I understand." Evelyn handed the phone to Sophia. "Ms. Winston, please verify your identity."

Sophia confirmed her details with Olivia. Moments later, the medical files arrived.

Scanning her own reports, Sophia finally relaxed.

"I knew Alexander couldn't possibly have such poor taste."

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly. "Meaning?"

Sophia smirked. "Two Evelyns—same pronunciation, different characters. I met the other one. Truly baffling how Alexander could fancy her. Now I see I mistook you for Annabelle Taylor."

"Perhaps you weren't mistaken originally."

Sophia arched an eyebrow. "They actually—"

Vivian Dempsey interjected smoothly. "Ancient history. He's moved on—no point dredging it up."

Sophia took the cue. "Quite right, Ms. Dempsey. Who can predict how things end?"

The subtext hummed between these sharp minds.

Evelyn understood—Sophia's cooperation stemmed from Alexander Hamilton's influence. More intriguingly, she seemed unimpressed with Lydia Laurent while subtly favoring Evelyn.

Evelyn let it pass, focusing on the reports.

"Ms. Winston, your vitals are normal aside from mild anemia."

Sophia leaned forward. "Will that affect conception?"

"Medically insignificant." Evelyn chose her words carefully. "I suspect immune infertility."

"Explain."

"Simplified? Biological rejection between sperm and egg. Perfect health otherwise, but natural conception becomes difficult."

Sophia paled. "Is this definitive? Any alternatives?"

"Merely a hypothesis." Evelyn softened her tone. "Reproductive immunology tests would confirm. You haven't done those?"

Sophia gave a brittle laugh. "Our schedules rarely align for hospital visits."

"If it is immune infertility..." Evelyn paused. "To conceive, you might need to consider..."

"A different partner?" Sophia finished bluntly. "Ours was an arranged marriage. No deep bonds."

Vivian nudged Evelyn's arm discreetly.

The parallel to Evelyn's own past with Alexander struck her.

"If confirmed..." Evelyn measured each word. "The most straightforward solution would indeed be new partners."

Silence stretched before Sophia spoke. "Last resort. Any other options?"

"IVF is possible, but domestic procedures are grueling—physically and emotionally."

"Low success rates, I hear?"

Evelyn didn't sugarcoat it. "Multiple attempts are typical. The time and energy investment often exceeds expectations."

The banquet's clamor faded around their quiet corner.

Sophia massaged her temples. "I'm at a career crossroads. Can't afford that timeline."

"I understand." Evelyn nodded. "Many professional women face this dilemma. IVF remains a personal choice."

As Sophia sank into thought, two piercing stares found them from across the room.