Chapter 862

Vivian Dempsey's eyes widened as she stared at Bianca Langley in disbelief.

"Miss Langley, if you're hurting, just let it out. I know it's late to say this, but you can't avoid seeing your child just because of one failed relationship. That bastard Vincent Croix will get what's coming to him!"

Her blunt words bordered on reckless, yet they struck directly at the unspoken concerns Evelyn Carter and Alexander Hamilton had been tiptoeing around.

Bianca's hands trembled slightly.

She had indeed been avoiding the baby.

Perhaps even she hadn't realized that beyond fearing the child would grow to resemble Vincent more each day, the deeper reason was her inability to face the guilt festering in her heart.

"I'm devastated," Bianca whispered, her voice feather-light. "But I've made my decision. About the baby... I don't regret it."

Evelyn watched Bianca's pallid face, her chest tightening.

"I respect your choice," she said softly. "But if you ever change your mind—"

Bianca's eyes reddened. "Thank you."

Evelyn hesitated. "I've picked a name for the baby—Easy. What do you think?"

"Easy..." Bianca repeated the word, her lips finally curving into a genuine, if fragile, smile. "It's perfect. May her life be smooth sailing."

Alexander had remained silent throughout.

Only now did he speak. "If it's convenient, we can complete the paperwork this afternoon."

Bianca nodded, the simple motion seeming to drain her completely.

The civil affairs office buzzed with activity.

Vivian pulled Evelyn aside, whispering urgently, "Do you think Miss Langley will really recover from this?"

Evelyn watched the two figures filling out forms, her gaze shadowed. "I don't know."

"You're acting strange today." Vivian's sharp eyes missed nothing. "Did something happen?"

Evelyn drew a shaky breath. "I might be pregnant."

"What?!" Vivian nearly jumped. "You two... you actually..."

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn. "I thought it was a safe day."

Vivian grabbed her hand. "Was it consensual?"

At Evelyn's nod, Vivian exhaled in relief. "Thank God. The man's a jerk, but at least he's easy on the eyes. It's just... the timing. Do you want to keep it?"

Evelyn's fingers turned ice-cold.

Dark memories surfaced.

"I don't know," she murmured. "After last time, I thought I couldn't conceive again."

Vivian squeezed her hand tighter. "Alexander's different with you now. If he finds out, he'll lose his mind with joy."

Evelyn pictured the scene, her fleeting smile vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

"Have I become pathetic?" she asked with self-mockery.