Chapter 152
No.1
"Stop gawking!" Eleanor snapped. "Get her on there now!"
Alexander's arms tightened. He had intended to carry her all the way to the examination room.
"Let go!" Eleanor stepped forward to wrench Evelyn away. "Are you trying to kill her?"
As Evelyn was placed on the gurney, her eyelashes fluttered faintly.
Her eyes opened, dazed and unfocused.
"Evelyn?" Eleanor grasped her hand urgently. "Do you recognize me?"
The sting of antiseptic triggered Evelyn's memory—Alexander forcing her into the car, the argument, then darkness...
No.2
"Aunt Eleanor..."
She suddenly threw herself into Eleanor's arms, her slender frame trembling violently.
"Save me..."
The plea stabbed Eleanor's heart. This was the first time Evelyn had ever shown vulnerability in front of her.
"Don't be afraid." Eleanor held her tightly. "No one can hurt you while I'm here."
Her sharp gaze cut toward Alexander.
The man had already schooled his expression into icy detachment, but his clenched fists betrayed him.
No.3
"We need to run some tests—"
"No!" Evelyn jerked back. "I want to go home... Don't let him follow..."
Her fearful cowering ignited Eleanor's fury.
"Get out!" Eleanor pointed to the exit. "Can't you see how terrified she is of you?"
Alexander turned sharply, the tails of his suit jacket slicing through the air.
"He said he'd imprison me..." Evelyn sobbed the accusation.
"He wouldn't dare!" Eleanor slammed her hand down. "Not unless he steps over my dead body!"
No.4
Suddenly, she clasped Evelyn's cold fingers.
"Evelyn... become my daughter."
The late-night pharmacy glared under harsh lighting.
Evelyn adjusted her baseball cap, filling her basket with vitamins and supplements.
"Cash, please."
She watched as the cashier discreetly placed the pregnancy test into a black bag.
In the bathroom, the water washed away the remnants of pills.
No.5
Only the test remained hidden in her pajama pocket.
Eleanor's offer replayed in her mind—becoming a Kingsley would sever all ties with Alexander.
Unless...
Evelyn pressed a hand to her flat stomach.
The irregularly delayed period made her pulse race.
Scarlet Archer's words surfaced unexpectedly:
[Having your own child would make life complete.]
No.6
At dawn, she stared at the two red lines on the test strip, fingers shaking.
The midday sun burned harshly.
"Aunt Eleanor," Evelyn gripped her phone tightly, "I've made my decision..."
"Aunt Eleanor, I've made my decision..." Evelyn Sinclair's voice trembled slightly. "May I become your daughter?"
A sharp intake of breath came through the phone as Eleanor Kingsley gasped in delight.
"Alexander's father and grandparents are overjoyed!" Eleanor spoke rapidly in her excitement. "Wait, let them talk to you."
Madeline Kingsley snatched the receiver first.
No.7
"My dear Evelyn, I've already prepared my jewelry box for you. The moment you officially join our family, I'll amend my will immediately."
Ahem. Patriarch Kingsley cleared his throat. "That foolish grandson of mine doesn't deserve you. From now on, you'll be the jewel of the Kingsley family. All my assets will go to you."
Though Alexander's father wasn't present, everyone knew his opinion held no weight.
"We can complete the paperwork today," Eleanor said eagerly. "When would you like to come home?"
"We must consult the almanac for an auspicious date," Madeline insisted.
"Absolutely. This calls for proper preparation," the patriarch agreed. "The adoption banquet for a Kingsley daughter must be magnificent."
All three unanimously decided to keep Alexander in the dark for now.