Chapter 895

Her pupils dilated in shock, disbelief written across her face.

Dr. Evelyn Carter was usually as gentle as water. Who would have guessed such steel lay beneath that calm exterior? The woman couldn't help pressing further. "Dr. Carter, when do you plan to start your maternity leave? I'd like to arrange my schedule accordingly."

Medical professionals already had scarce vacation time. Maternity leave was especially precious. Everyone tried to strike a careful balance between career and family.

Evelyn's fingertips traced the rim of her water glass. "One week before the due date, as planned. But if my condition worsens..." Her voice softened. "Some medications are off-limits during pregnancy."

The pain of losing a child was etched into her bones. No matter how much she loved her profession, she would never risk her unborn baby's safety.

The other woman was single, her knowledge of pregnancy limited to textbook descriptions. "I've read that labor pain is the most intense level. The discomfort must be..."

She stopped mid-sentence upon noticing Evelyn's reddened eyes and distant expression. "Dr. Carter, are you feeling unwell now?"

"My apologies." Evelyn stood abruptly. "I need to visit the restroom."

The private room's stuffy air had triggered sudden morning sickness. She hurried out, not wanting to disrupt her colleagues' gathering.

Inside the restroom, the overpowering floral scent only intensified her nausea. Evelyn dry-heaved several times before splashing cold water on her flushed cheeks.

Meanwhile, a black sedan pulled up silently outside the lounge bar.

Alexander Hamilton had appeared composed when receiving Vincent Wilson's message, but his fingers had typed gibberish across the keyboard. Upon learning Evelyn had gone to the lounge Gregory Wilson recommended, he snapped his laptop shut and stormed out of his office.

Jealousy was secondary. What truly gripped him was Evelyn's worsening morning sickness lately. Foods she'd craved yesterday might revolt her today. Enclosed spaces inevitably made her suffer.

He sped through the streets until spotting that familiar silhouette at the hallway's end. One glance, and his restless heart stilled.

"The lady's private room..." Alexander murmured to a server.

Inside, Olivia Lightfoot was belting into a microphone when Evelyn returned. She immediately set it down. "Sick again? You've barely eaten tonight."

The doctor from earlier looked guilty. "Dr. Carter, let me drive you home?"

"Really, I'm fine." Evelyn forced a smile. "Don't let me ruin the fun."

A server entered. "Ladies and gentlemen, the main lounge is now available for a complimentary upgrade."

"Seriously?" The colleague holding the mic couldn't believe her ears.

Olivia sighed in relief. "Better ventilation there. You'll feel better."

Evelyn nodded, though suspicion prickled her mind. She knew exactly who the "mysterious benefactor" of that private dining room had been. But Alexander had claimed he was working late tonight...

Then she remembered Vincent hastily dragging Gregory away earlier.

In the car at the street corner, Vincent was still typing furiously. Gregory glanced at the rearview mirror at a red light. "Mr. Hamilton must be frantic?"

"Obviously!" Vincent didn't look up. "He's probably already on his way or found Evelyn by now. This time he's really—"

He cut himself off. Provoking Alexander was dangerous, but angering his older brother was equally unwise. Imagining a future of reined-in freedom, his enthusiasm deflated.

The light turned green. Gregory pressed the accelerator gently. "It's a good thing. If you could find your destined person like he did, our parents would rest easier."