Chapter 379

Evelyn sent her location and asked, "What is it?"

"Did you meet with Cassandra?"

Nathaniel's tone was calm, but it carried an undercurrent of something sharper—like an accusation wrapped in velvet.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes, I just saw her."

Nathaniel softened his voice. "Evelyn, if there's anything you want to know, ask me. Cassandra and I are just old friends and colleagues. If it bothers you, I can reassign the project. Okay?"

Evelyn frowned. "Are you explaining yourself to me?"

"What else would you call it?"

"Do you think I met her because I'm upset? Are you worried my mood will affect the baby?"

"Evelyn." His voice dropped, edged with warning. "Then why did you meet her?"

"Just to talk. What else would we do?"

Her tone was light, giving nothing away.

Nathaniel exhaled. "You're really not upset?"

"Do I strike you as the type to go looking for drama?"

"That's not what I meant. I just don’t want misunderstandings. If you have questions, ask me. I’ll tell you everything."

"Always?"

"Always."

The sincerity in his voice made her smile.

But Evelyn didn’t press further. It was a promise from Nathaniel—one she might need later.

The call left her in better spirits. Then Dr. Harrison called with good news.

"Winifred’s recovery is progressing well. We’ll begin prepping for the transplant soon. Once she’s stable, we can proceed. Talk to Beatrice first, then let me know."

"Understood. Thank you, Dr. Harrison."

After hanging up, Evelyn went straight to the hospital.

Outside Beatrice’s room, she overheard two nurses whispering.

"Did you hear? Isabella’s mother is scheduled for surgery, but Isabella hasn’t visited in days. Her own mother, and she can’t even show up? What kind of daughter does that?"

"Who knows? Maybe she’s busy. She is a celebrity."

"Still. It’s cruel."

Evelyn knocked and entered, pushing the conversation aside.

When Beatrice heard about Winifred’s surgery, she finally agreed to cooperate.

A nurse arrived for routine bloodwork, so Evelyn wheeled Beatrice out.

Beatrice fussed. "I can walk. You shouldn’t be pushing me around in your condition."

Evelyn laughed. "If you don’t mention it, no one will even notice. Maybe they’ll think I’m unmarried."

"Always joking."

"Only because you indulge me. Who else would I tease?"

Beatrice waved her off. "Go bother someone else, then."

"Liar. You’d miss me."

Beatrice scoffed, but her lips curved into a smile.