Chapter 21

Evelyn slowly lay down and murmured, "Almost four months now."

It was the last night before Adrian left the country. He had held her close until midnight, whispering sweet nothings about how he couldn't bear to be apart from her.

That was the night she conceived.

A flicker of pain crossed Evelyn's eyes as she closed them, allowing Gabrielle to examine her. She had sensed it during her own pulse check but needed confirmation.

Gabrielle carefully lifted Evelyn's shirt, applied the ultrasound gel, and focused on the screen.

After a moment, Gabrielle's eyes welled up. "M-Miss Roland... it's twins."

Evelyn's eyes flew open. Just as she suspected. The confirmation sent an irrepressible wave of joy through her.

She sat up, wiping off the gel, and smiled—a rare sight. "Thank you, Gabrielle. Keep this between us for now."

Gabrielle nodded eagerly. "Of course. Biweekly checkups—I can't wait to meet them."

Neither could Evelyn. The pain Adrian had inflicted dulled slightly at the thought of her babies.

After preparing her acupuncture kit, Evelyn checked Christian's pulse. No change. His brain injury and internal damage had healed, but only time would tell if he woke.

Post-treatment, Evelyn instructed, "Play news broadcasts daily. Monitor his brain activity and update me immediately."

Gabrielle agreed. "Understood. I noticed Victoria's back—may I visit her?"

Evelyn nodded. "From now on, take meals in the main house. Look out for each other."

"Perfect!" Gabrielle beamed.

Evelyn carried her medical case back to the main residence.

Elsewhere, Isabella frantically dialed her father.

"Dad, Evelyn cleared her name. We deleted Melanie's surveillance footage—how did she recover it?"

Their tech team swore it was unrecoverable. Where had Evelyn gotten that video?

"Relax. Adrian won't trace it to us. Your priority is marrying him and becoming Mrs. Valentine."

Isabella exhaled in relief. As long as they weren't exposed.

"Isabella, what are you doing?" A cold voice cut through the air.

She spun around to face Adrian's icy gaze. His towering frame radiated danger.

Remembering her call, she suppressed a shiver.

"Adrian! What brings you here?" She forced a smile, linking her arm through his.

He glanced at her hand dismissively. "There's a gala tonight. You'll accompany me."

Isabella lit up. "Of course! I'll get ready right away. You're so good to me—I love you."

Sunlight outlined his sharp profile as he responded flatly, "Hmm."

His indifference stung, but she masked her disappointment.

Evelyn napped briefly at home.

Pregnancy had made her drowsy.

Descending in the afternoon, Victoria handed her an envelope.

"Miss Roland, this is your invitation to the Tri-Nation Business Summit. The Chairman expects your attendance. It starts at eight—Nathan will handle the arrangements."

Evelyn accepted it lazily. "Has Sophia returned yet?"