Chapter 20

Sophia Blanchet kept her eyes on the road and nodded. "Understood, boss. I'll dig up everything about her. What about the company...?"

Evelyn Roland's fingers brushed her abdomen. Soon, her pregnancy would become visible. If Adrian Valentine discovered it, he would never let this child live.

She knew better than anyone how ruthless that man could be.

There was no turning back between them now. This baby must be born safely—hers alone.

"Have all documents delivered to Regal Heights. Starting today, I'll work from there. Nathan Aldridge will serve as the public CEO, and you'll be my executive assistant. Issue the announcement on the corporate website tomorrow."

Sophia's eyes sparkled. After three years of waiting, her moment had finally arrived.

She could practically see fireworks exploding in her mind, even the toilet seat at home glowing with promise.

"Boss, I've been waiting for this!" Sophia grinned like a villain.

Evelyn's voice remained calm. "Tell Nathan to send over all company records."

Though she had been pulling the strings behind the scenes for years, a few stubborn old-timers still resisted. To them, a young woman would never be fit to lead.

Fine. She would remain an enigma.

Sophia practically vibrated with excitement. "Consider it done!"

Upon returning to Regal Heights, Evelyn walked alone to the rear estate.

Beyond the main mansion, two smaller buildings stood a kilometer away.

She headed straight for the basement.

The moment the secured door opened, a woman stood at attention. "Miss Roland."

Evelyn gave a slight nod. "How is Christian Lefèvre today?"

Gabrielle Flores flashed a dimpled smile. "No change. It's been the same for four months."

On the hospital bed, Christian lay motionless.

Soft light illuminated his pale, handsome features. His long lashes cast shadows beneath closed eyes, oblivious to the world.

Evelyn's chest tightened.

During the fire, she had rescued Adrian first before going back for Christian. But when she returned, Adrian had already vanished.

With Christian clinging to life, she had no choice but to secretly bring him back to the country. Pursued by assassins, she had to leverage Sterling Manor's connections to operate in the shadows.

Christian had briefly regained consciousness, warning her that someone wanted him dead—even Adrian couldn't be trusted.

Only then did she realize the fire had been a plot against Christian. Adrian had merely been a pawn.

After their return, Isabella Langley appeared at Adrian's side.

He would never know she had been the one to save him that day.

The memory of his cold eyes sent a sharp pang through her heart.

"Gabrielle, perform an ultrasound for me," she said abruptly. "I'm pregnant. I haven't had it checked yet."

Going to an outside hospital was too risky. Adrian would find out.

"What?!" Gabrielle's eyes widened.

Evelyn was already walking toward the examination room. "Sterling Manor needs an heir."

Gabrielle hurried after her, instantly understanding. Her voice trembled with excitement. "Miss Roland, how far along are you?"