Chapter 194
No.1
Did she?
"Pregnancy changes tastes," she replied softly.
In truth, she'd never had any real preferences before—only pretended to share Alexander's tastes.
How ridiculous that seemed now.
In the end, who had ever cared about her feelings?
"About the day after tomorrow..." Alexander changed the subject.
"Your grandmother's invitation?" Evelyn caught on quickly. "Is there a problem?"
No.2
"Nothing," he lowered his head to sip soup, avoiding her gaze. "I heard you had tea today. How did it go?"
"Your grandmother was very kind to me."
Evelyn didn't want to speak ill of the old woman.
She could sense Madeline's dissatisfaction, but those were unintentional slights.
She understood.
They wouldn't be living together anyway—just occasional visits during holidays.
The next afternoon.
No.3
Evelyn arrived at the hotel as promised.
"Evelyn, dear!" Madeline greeted her warmly, taking her hand. "Come see the gown and jewelry I prepared for you."
She presented a velvet jewelry box.
Evelyn recognized it instantly—Madeline's most treasured collection.
"Grandmother, this is too precious. I couldn't—"
"Nonsense," Madeline interrupted. "I've wanted to give these to you for ages. You'll break my heart if you refuse."
She insisted Evelyn accept, then urged her to try on the prepared dress.
No.4
Evelyn's baby bump wasn't noticeable yet, but she'd already switched to loose clothing. The gown Madeline chose, however, had a fitted waist.
Paired with stiletto heels.
"Grandmother..." Evelyn neatly folded the dress and shoes. "What I'm wearing now is perfectly suitable..."
She glanced at the stylist waiting behind them with multiple bags.
Clearly, Madeline intended a full makeover.
Evelyn had even switched to pregnancy-safe skincare—let alone makeup.
She could only decline the well-meant gesture.
No.5
Madeline's expression darkened instantly.
"Evelyn," her tone turned reproachful. "Why must you be so difficult..."
"Grandmother..." Evelyn knew she seemed unreasonable, hesitating whether to reveal her pregnancy...
The secret marriage couldn't hide a growing belly forever.
Better to explain now before misunderstandings deepened.
"Grandmother, I'm not being ungrateful. The truth is I..."
"Enough!" Madeline Kingsley raised her hand abruptly, the ruby on her fingernail flashing sharply under the lights.
No.6
Evelyn Sinclair's lips parted slightly before closing again.
"Nothing satisfies you," the elder Kingsley sneered. "One might think you're carrying the Kingsley heir."
Evelyn's fingers tightened on her skirt.
"When I was pregnant with Alexander's father, I vomited bile daily," Madeline continued. "Eleanor couldn't even keep water down while carrying Alexander. She endured it."
The room echoed with the matriarch's cutting voice.
Evelyn lifted her gaze slowly. "Grandmother, I won't attend tonight's banquet."
Her tone was eerily calm.
No.7
Madeline suddenly faltered. "Evelyn, this old woman misspoke..." She grasped Evelyn's hand urgently. "I've prepared a surprise for you. Humor an old woman?"
"What surprise?" Evelyn met the elder's evasive eyes.
"A brilliant young man." Madeline forced a smile. "Far superior to Alexander..."
Evelyn withdrew her hand gently. "We're already married."
Madeline's face drained of color.
"Evelyn Sinclair!" She shot to her feet. "After all the Kingsleys have done for you, you'd ruin Alexander like this?"
"Ruin him?" A humorless laugh escaped Evelyn.