Chapter 1203

No.1

"DNA test!" Eleanor pressed. "Do you have the guts?"

She added coldly, "And we're reporting Isabella for assault."

Mrs. Winslow paled.

She'd come to humiliate Evelyn upon hearing of her hospitalization. Isabella had gambled everything on this pregnancy. With the baby gone and no gains, she'd sought petty vengeance.

She never expected the entire Kingsley family present.

Nor that even doting Madeline would turn against them.

Realizing defeat, Mrs. Winslow fled in disgrace.

No.2

The Kingsleys regarded Eleanor with newfound respect.

Turning to Alexander, Eleanor ordered, "Investigate why Isabella was at the Eatons'."

Madeline whispered guiltily, "I took her... She said she wanted parenting advice..."

The scheme became clear.

Isabella had used the opportunity to eliminate her rival. Even if Madeline later discovered Evelyn's pregnancy, it would be too late—securing her position as the Kingsleys' "only heir."

"Why was Evelyn assigned to interview the Eatons?" Eleanor pressed.

Evelyn answered truthfully, "A last-minute assignment from my editor."

No.3

"How convenient." Eleanor's smile turned icy. "The Winslows' reach is impressive. Did they think Kingsleys are easily fooled?"

Her meaningful glance at Madeline carried both grace and warning: "Worst of all, exploiting your devotion to family, using you as their pawn. Mother, you almost lost your true grandchild."

Madeline could only nod repeatedly.

"That child was never mine," Alexander stated abruptly.

At their puzzled looks, he explained, "She once stole my hotel keycard... I have no memory of..."

His gaze flickered to Evelyn.

Security footage showed Evelyn leaving quickly that night, with Isabella entering afterward. He suspected tampering.

No.4

"No memory means nothing happened," Mr. Kingsley declared firmly, glancing pointedly at Evelyn.

A nurse entered, announcing visiting hours were over.

Outside, Eleanor immediately chastised Alexander, "She's carrying your child. When will you make Evelyn your wife?"

In the Kingsley ancestral home, Mr. Kingsley nervously rubbed his hands together. He was the only one who knew about Alexander and Evelyn's reconciliation, yet had to pretend complete ignorance.

"We..." Alexander scanned the room, his tone calm, "have already registered our marriage."

"What?" Mr. Kingsley sprang up first, delivering an Oscar-worthy performance.

Madeline Kingsley nearly dropped her teacup. She suddenly remembered Evelyn's words from last time - they hadn't been a provocation after all.

No.5

"What about the wedding?" Eleanor pressed anxiously. "Wedding dresses don't look good on pregnant bellies."

"No wedding." Alexander remained impassive. "We've decided on a secret marriage."

The Kingsleys exchanged bewildered glances.

"The pregnancy was unexpected." Alexander added. "The marriage is just to legitimize the child."

Madeline nodded repeatedly while the others looked troubled. This didn't seem like reconciliation at all.

Eleanor couldn't help sighing. "You're truly despicable."

...

No.6

"Lord Alex!" A subordinate rushed in. "The Winslows have taken Isabella and fled!"

"Where?" Alexander's gaze turned icy.

"Private jet. Straight to another country."

Madeline's voice trembled. "And the baby...?"

"The doctor confirmed she'd already miscarried." The subordinate reported. "They fled without even completing the D&C surgery."

Eleanor sneered. "Guilty conscience!"

Patriarch Kingsley slammed the table. "Disgraceful!"

No.7

Madeline turned pale. She'd nearly made the family acknowledge an illegitimate child, and almost harmed Evelyn's unborn baby.

...

In the hospital room late at night, Alexander set aside some documents.

"I told them about the secret marriage." He suddenly spoke.

Evelyn kept her eyes closed, murmuring a soft "Mm."

"Everyone signed NDAs." He paused. "I'll screen the staff again."