Chapter 426

Evelyn's hands trembled as they rested on her abdomen. The life growing inside her filled her with both wonder and dread. Until she could confirm the baby's health, she wouldn't find peace.

She grabbed a raincoat and umbrella, stepping into the spring shower without hesitation.

Three blocks from Mooncrest Manor stood a 24-hour pharmacy.

The bell chimed as she entered, purchasing prenatal vitamins that she tucked into her pocket. The rhythmic patter of rain against her umbrella created a soothing melody.

Though the downpour was heavy, the April air carried warmth. Spring symbolized rebirth, and Evelyn clung to that hope. She prayed this child would be as healthy as Lily and Henry. That was all that mattered now.

Dominic's opinion had become irrelevant.

The rain had washed away her illusions that night. Their lives ran on separate tracks now. She only needed to live truthfully, without regrets.

Returning home, she shook out her umbrella before hearing raised voices in the living room.

"You're choking me!" Nathan's indignant shout cut through the air.

Michael growled, "Keep your voice down! You'll wake Evelyn!"

Nathan's breathing came in ragged bursts. "Why drag me here? Take me home!"

Michael slumped onto the couch, rubbing his temples. "I've been drinking, idiot. You're staying put tonight."

"You expect me to sleep on this couch?!"

"Better than the floor!" Michael shot back. "Unless you'd prefer my bed?"

"Are you insane? What if Evelyn or the kids see me? How would I explain this?" Nathan struggled upright, staggering toward Michael's bedroom.

Michael followed, lowering his voice. "Just quit already. Come work with us. That bastard Dominic-"

"Shut your mouth!" Nathan whirled around. "Mr. Blackwood isn't-"

He forgot to whisper.

Even upstairs, Evelyn would hear every word.

"Our Evelyn has higher standards!" Michael countered. "In all the years I've known her, she's never looked twice at any man, no matter how perfect. Can your boss say the same?"

"But Evelyn nearly killed him!" Nathan hissed.

Michael scoffed. "With what? Her bare hands? She can't even swat a fly! How'd someone like you become an executive assistant?"

Nathan adjusted his glasses, looking dazed. The argument had derailed him.

Seizing the moment, Michael shoved him into the bedroom and slammed the door.

Silence fell.

Evelyn slipped inside, Nathan's words echoing in her mind. True or not, they'd struck a nerve.

She hurried upstairs, swallowing vitamins with a gulp of water. Why did fate keep binding her to Dominic through their children?

Even twins hadn't made motherhood easier. And now this...

Worst of all, these three children meant she'd never truly be free of him.

Evelyn tossed in bed, sleep eluding her. The digital clock mocked her - only thirty minutes had passed.

With a frustrated sigh, she squeezed her eyes shut, willing morning to come.