Chapter 819

Evelyn's gaze remained fixed on Bianca.

Bianca was uncharacteristically baring her soul, every word sounding like a final confession. It reminded Evelyn of that ominous saying.

Truth in dying words.

Her fingers turned cold, fearing Bianca might do something reckless. Just as she was about to speak, Bianca abruptly changed the subject.

"Vincent kept staring at me when they took him away." Bianca flicked her cigarette ash. "I didn't look back, but I could feel his gaze. With his current influence, this level of harassment isn't enough for a restraining order. At most, it'll delay him a few hours."

She exhaled a smoke ring, the haze obscuring her face.

"Maybe he's forgotten how he stood outside my hospital room the day I gave birth." Her voice was barely audible. "He was in such a hurry for his 'business trip' that he didn't even hold our baby. And there I was, lying in bed, still hoping he'd turn back."

That memory cut like a knife, nearly shattering her. If not for her parents' constant vigilance, she might have succumbed to postpartum depression.

Evelyn's throat tightened. As an OB-GYN, she'd witnessed too many broken mothers. Hearing Bianca's calm narration now felt like a boulder pressing on her chest.

"His suffering isn't a fraction of yours." Evelyn grasped Bianca's icy hand. "For men, childbirth is just a fling. But for women—"

"Dr. Carter." Bianca interrupted suddenly. "I never thought you'd be the one saying this to me in the end."

The ashtray was filled with gray residue.

"I'm an obstetrician. It's my duty."

"Nothing in this world is obligatory." Bianca stubbed out her cigarette, as if reaching a decision. "If one day I can no longer care for my baby..."

Evelyn's heart lurched.

"Would you and Alexander be willing to adopt her?" Bianca met her eyes directly. "I know it's presumptuous. The Liang shares aren't much, but—"

"Stop!" Evelyn's voice trembled. "Nothing will happen to you. Alexander is already investigating Vincent. He'll pay!"

She didn't dare mention Alexander's suspicion—that Vincent had already prepared a scapegoat, facing at most a few years in prison. That truth would destroy Bianca completely.

"A love suicide?" Bianca suddenly laughed. "You overestimate me, Doctor."

She traced the cigarette box, her voice feather-light.

"I just... doubt I can love her the way I used to. While I'm still lucid, I want to find her a good home." A pause. "Consider it fate being unkind to us."

Evelyn's eyes burned. How she wished the baby were her daughter—but never like this.

"It's too early for this." She forced a joke. "When you regret it, don't expect me to return her."

Bianca didn't respond. The cigarette burned to her fingers, leaving a red mark.

They changed hotels before Vincent could intervene. En route, Bianca insisted on stopping by the hospital.

The morgue's fluorescent lights were piercingly cold.

"I shouldn't have come." Bianca stared at her reflection. "Now every time I close my eyes, I see him in that drawer."

As the attendant moved to open the compartment, Bianca said abruptly, "I'll take him home."

The hearse arrived swiftly. Evelyn watched Bianca's shaking hands sign the paperwork, insisting on handling everything personally.

When the crematorium roared to life, Bianca's nails dug into her palms. Evelyn turned away, unable to face her shattered expression.

The attendant presented the urn. Bianca chose the brightest one. Donning gloves, she gathered her lover's remains piece by piece.

Evelyn stood behind her, watching Bianca's silhouette tremble in the furnace glow.