Chapter 445

Evelyn felt significantly better after sleeping through most of the day, the nausea finally subsiding to a dull ache.

"It's unpredictable," Sophie said, handing her a steaming bowl of soup. "Some women barely experience pregnancy symptoms at all. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones."

Evelyn settled onto the couch, inhaling the rich aroma of the spicy chicken soup. "Thank you for this, Sophie. It's been ages since I had something this comforting."

"Don't overdo it," Sophie warned, sitting across from her. "You don't want to trigger another wave of nausea." She smirked. "Guess what Adrian did today? He was so worried you'd collapse from skipping lunch that he booked an ambulance. It's still parked outside the mansion right now."

Touched, Evelyn smiled. "Sophie, I hope you and Adrian have the happiest life together."

"I know," Sophie said, her eyes softening. "But right now, your priority is taking care of yourself and that little one inside you. Just imagining your baby being as brilliant and beautiful as Henry and Lily makes me pray for a safe and healthy arrival."

Evelyn nodded, warmth spreading through her chest.

After dinner, she followed Sophie out of the guest room.

The moment the others saw her descending the stairs, they immediately ushered her to the center of the couch.

"Evelyn! Come play with us! Don't worry—Sophie already told us you're not feeling great, so we won't force you to do anything even if you lose!"

Evelyn shot Sophie a grateful look.

"What are we playing? I'm not exactly a pro at games," Evelyn admitted, though she felt surprisingly energized.

"It's a challenge where you can't get flustered! We'll show you videos, and if your heart rate spikes, you lose!"

Evelyn almost laughed. This was too easy. She had never been truly attracted to anyone except Dominic. There was no way she'd lose.

Sophie leaned in, lowering her voice. "They're shameless, Evelyn. The videos might be... intense."

A flush crept up Evelyn's neck, but she remained confident.

Just then, Sophie's cousin Eleanor fastened a heart rate monitor around Evelyn's wrist. "If you win, you get to make one unreasonable demand from anyone here. But honestly? I don’t think you stand a chance."

Evelyn smirked. "Oh, I'm definitely winning this."

The lights dimmed, and the large screen flickered to life.

A strikingly handsome man appeared, lifting his shirt to reveal sculpted abs. The room erupted in laughter.

Evelyn chuckled, but her pulse barely wavered.

They cycled through several more clips—each more ridiculous than the last—but Evelyn remained composed. She'd seen plenty of attractive men during her time in Stonebridge. None of them had ever stirred her.

Then, Eric Montclair's face filled the screen.

Clips of him in a crisp white shirt, knight's armor, and a tailored suit played in succession. The room exploded into chaos, everyone cheering and whistling.

Evelyn's heart rate spiked instantly.

A sharp snap cut through the noise.

The lights blazed on, flooding the room with brightness.

Everyone froze, turning toward the doorway.

Dominic stood there, clad in all black, his presence commanding and enigmatic against the night behind him. His expression was ice-cold, his piercing gaze sweeping over the room like a storm.

The air crackled with tension.