Chapter 1978

No.1

"Evelyn," the matriarch rose abruptly, "come with me."

"Mother, whatever you need to say—"

"Mustn't disturb Alexander!" Madeline shot Eleanor a withering look before turning to Evelyn. "Just a few words."

Evelyn gave Eleanor a subtle headshake and followed the older woman out.

As the elevator descended, Evelyn watched the floor numbers change, her frown deepening.

"Let's be direct." Madeline stopped outside an examination room. "The Kingsley line must continue. You'll get checked today to see if you can still conceive."

Evelyn's head jerked up.

No.2

"Grandmother," her voice dripped ice, "you wept while promising never to interfere again."

"I tried!" Madeline's voice cracked. "But look at Alexander! A childless marriage is built on sand!"

"It's just a cold." Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "Since when do adults need supervision when ill?"

"You!"

Evelyn's blunt accusation made Madeline Kingsley's face darken instantly.

"Just an illness?" The elderly woman's voice trembled. "Alex was running a high fever all night but still insisted on going to Kingsley Group..."

"So you knew he was waiting for me," Evelyn countered without backing down, "yet lied to me about him being at Kingsley Group?"

No.3

Madeline faltered.

She hadn't expected Evelyn to uncover the truth.

"Who told you?"

"Did I need to be told?" Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile. "I went to Kingsley Group and didn't find him. The truth was obvious."

Madeline had been spoiled her entire life.

She'd never needed to think deeply to get her way—now, when she tried, her mind failed her.

And yet, she still clung to absurd delusions.

No.4

The epitome of incompetence masked by arrogance.

"If there's nothing else, I'll leave." Evelyn turned away. "Alex should be waking up soon."

She owed the old woman some gratitude for this performance.

Otherwise, she might never have seen the Kingsley family for the pit it truly was.

"Stop!" Madeline grabbed her arm and called down the hallway, "Doctor! Bring her in for the examination!"

A team of pre-arranged medical staff immediately surrounded them.

Evelyn's expression darkened.

No.5

"Let go!"

"Don't be difficult, Evelyn." Madeline wiped her brow. "It's just a routine checkup. Your resistance only makes me wonder—is infertility not the only issue you're hiding?"

Evelyn nearly laughed at the absurdity. "My body, my choice. No one forces me into any examination."

Madeline's suspicions only grew. "You do have a problem! What else are you concealing?"

Evelyn was beyond exasperation.

"Grandmother, release me. Don't make me resent you."

The words only enraged the old woman further. "You already do, don't you? Ever since I exposed your affair with Julian Ashford?"

No.6

Evelyn stayed silent.

Anything she said would be twisted.

But her silence emboldened Madeline.

"Doctor, how is the infertility examination conducted?" the old woman pressed urgently. "Perhaps a full-body scan would be better!"

The doctor glanced at Evelyn. "An MRI would be most comprehensive."

"I can't undergo an MRI." Evelyn's voice was steel.

Early pregnancy MRIs risked fetal development.

No.7

"Grandmother, it could harm my baby."

"Baby?" Madeline froze momentarily before scoffing. "You lost your last child, didn't you? Now you claim to be pregnant again? What illness are you truly hiding?"

"My child is still here!" Evelyn's voice rose in desperation.

"Lies!" Madeline trembled with fury. "After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me? Take her for the scan!"

"Grandmother!"

Evelyn dared not struggle violently.