Chapter 332

Dr. Harrison arranged for a nurse to accompany Mrs. Beatrice to his office to rest. Then he and Nathaniel stepped out onto the balcony outside the examination room.

Nathaniel's voice was tight. "How bad is it?"

"Not good. It's a severe cardiac condition. To manage it, she'll need a transplant, but the risks are high. Even if successful, her age complicates recovery." Dr. Harrison's tone left no room for optimism.

Nathaniel's jaw clenched. Silence stretched between them.

"Should we inform Evelyn?" Dr. Harrison suggested. "Her grandmother means everything to her. Keeping this secret might backfire."

"Beatrice specifically asked me to bring her here because she didn’t want Evelyn to know." Nathaniel exhaled sharply. "She’s pregnant. The stress could harm her—and the baby."

But if Evelyn discovered the truth later, her fury would be unmatched.

Nathaniel rubbed his temples. "Does she already know about her condition?"

"She does. Bloodwork shows she's been on painkillers and heart medication. The disease is advanced. If we proceed with surgery, it needs to happen soon—before the meds lose effectiveness."

Nathaniel gave a stiff nod. "Let me speak with her first."

"Understood."

Nathaniel escorted Beatrice out of the office, guiding her to the hospital gardens. The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the manicured hedges.

Noticing his tension, Beatrice smiled gently. "Why so grim, Nathaniel?"

His gaze darkened. "You knew, didn’t you?"

Her secrecy had tipped him off. If it weren’t serious, she wouldn’t have hidden it from Evelyn.

Beatrice patted his arm. "At my age, death isn’t frightening. I only hid this because Evelyn is carrying my great-grandchild. I won’t let my health ruin her joy. Seeing her married and starting a family is enough for me."

Her words carved deeper lines into Nathaniel’s expression.

"You’re everything to her," he said hoarsely. "If you give up, it’ll destroy her. She wants you healthy. We’ll follow Dr. Harrison’s plan—surgery, recovery. You’ll hold that baby in your arms."

Beatrice shook her head, resolute. "No surgery. My heart won’t last, no matter what. Let nature take its course. And Nathaniel—don’t tell Evelyn. Not until after the birth."

His laugh was brittle. "If she finds out I kept this from her, she’ll never forgive me."

Beatrice’s eyes twinkled. "Then you’ll have to be very convincing, won’t you?"

Nathaniel groaned.