Chapter 47

The nail at the Langley family's gate made Evelyn's heart clench.

She stared at the wound on her knee, her gaze turning icy.

Alexander Durand's death was no accident.

Vincent Langley was testing her.

The secret of that map must have been exposed.

Evelyn stirred the noodles in her bowl, thoughts swirling. Isabella's hostility wasn't just because of Adrian. There had to be more to it.

She set down the empty bowl and walked slowly to the backyard.

As the heir to Sterling Manor, she had undergone rigorous training since age three. She had mastered every skill required.

The basement's iris recognition system activated. The heavy glass door slid open silently.

"Miss Evelyn!" Gabrielle Flores bounded forward eagerly.

Her eyes fixed on Evelyn's belly, brimming with anticipation.

"It's too early," Evelyn chuckled.

"Soon!" Gabrielle counted on her fingers. "I've already prepared all the baby supplies. Let me take care of them when they're born."

Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she fantasized about studying the brains of genius babies.

Evelyn approached Christian Lefèvre's bedside, frowning slightly.

"Still no response?"

"His fingers twitch occasionally," Gabrielle sighed. "But he has no will to live."

Evelyn took out silver needles. No matter how long it took, she would keep her promise to preserve this man's life.

After the acupuncture session, she handed Gabrielle a prescription.

"Asthma formula. Needed in six months."

Gabrielle accepted it like a treasure. "Leave it to me!"

Her eyes gleamed as she leaned closer to Evelyn's belly. "Let me hear the babies' heartbeats."

"Planning to study them again?" Evelyn saw right through her.

Gabrielle stuck out her tongue playfully.

Back in her bedroom, Evelyn surveyed the luxurious yet empty space. A pang of loneliness washed over her.

Hot water rinsed away her fatigue as she carefully dried her hair.

At four months pregnant, her belly showed clearly. The twins made her abdomen swell noticeably.

This winter, she planned to focus on her pregnancy.

Sleep came quickly.

The next morning, a shrill phone ring jolted her awake.

Eyes still closed, Evelyn fumbled for her phone and pressed answer in a daze.