Chapter 826

No.1

"Because she—"

"Because what?" Julian spun back, gaze piercing. "Because she's gullible? Or because I'm too forgiving?"

Her hands fell limp.

So this was the agony of lost trust.

The realization struck like lightning—no love survives endless betrayal. Even the deepest bonds erode beneath relentless disappointment.

"Julian," she said quietly, "if you can't forgive me, I'll respect that."

Evelyn's pupils constricted violently.

No.2

Julian's face suddenly loomed close enough for her to see the faint tremble of his lashes. His scorching breath carried an overwhelming masculine scent.

Her instincts screamed to retreat, yet her body remained frozen.

The world spun abruptly.

"Evelyn!" Julian's hand clamped onto her shoulder.

She collapsed like a marionette with severed strings. Her gaze turned vacant, lips drained of color.

Julian dropped to one knee, barely catching her limp form.

"Wake up!" His palm patted her cheek gently.

No.3

The girl in his arms was deathly pale, her lips nearly translucent.

Scooping her up bridal-style, he sprinted toward the elevator.

"Put me down..." Evelyn pushed weakly against his chest.

Staggering to her feet, she braced against the wall, retching violently. Her stomach churned, but nothing came up.

Julian offered a handkerchief. "Hospital. Now."

"Not necessary..." She wiped cold sweat from her temples. "I just need rest."

"You said that last time." His fingers encircled her wrist like steel bands. "This time, you're getting checked."

No.4

Under the sterile garage lighting, his expression turned flinty.

"Julian!" She wrenched free.

"Sophie's still hospitalized." His voice dropped dangerously low. "Want to follow her footsteps?"

The words stabbed like ice picks.

Evelyn's fingertips turned to ice. The family's genetic curse hung over her like the sword of Damocles.

"Tomorrow," she conceded.

At dawn, Julian's call came precisely on schedule.

No.5

"I'm at the office." Evelyn studied her ashen reflection. "Penelope's returning today—"

"Three p.m. Horizon's physician will expect you."

When the needle pierced her vein, Evelyn turned her face away.

"Notify me immediately with results." She gave the doctor a strained smile.

The moment the door closed, Julian murmured, "Add progesterone and hCG panels."

Three hours later, Evelyn accepted the medication box.

"Take these on schedule." Julian tapped the pill bottle. "Next collapse lands you in inpatient care."

No.6

Scanning the iron supplements, her tension eased slightly.

"Field assignments are suspended." He hesitated. "Or... a department transfer?"

"I'm fine." She hugged the medicine bag and turned.

As the office door clicked shut, Julian yanked open his desk drawer.

The pregnancy test report glared up at him—hCG levels skyrocketing beyond normal range.

The shredder whirred loudly, reducing the medical report to confetti.

Julian Ashford stared blankly at the machine, fingers absently tapping the desk.

No.7

For the first time, he couldn't tell who was truly burying their head in the sand—himself or Evelyn.

Evelyn Sinclair swallowed the pill, feeling immediate relief from her persistent fatigue.

Lately, she'd been exhausted. Her appetite vanished. Dizziness struck without warning.

Julian's medication worked surprisingly well, restoring her energy almost instantly.

She ignored his warnings and resumed her fieldwork as usual.