Chapter 327

This was a delicate situation Evelyn had to handle with care.

Penelope's unwavering certainty about her accusations left Evelyn bewildered. How could she be so bold?

"Ha! Cat got your tongue, Evelyn? Your silence speaks volumes—I’ve nailed it, haven’t I?"

Seeing Evelyn’s lack of reaction, Penelope grew giddy with excitement. She was convinced she’d uncovered a secret no one else knew.

Evelyn remained composed. "You’re absolutely right. I am pregnant, and I’ve deliberately kept it hidden while arranging the heir agreement behind the scenes."

Penelope’s eyes gleamed with triumph. "Finally admitting it, huh? I’ll make sure everyone knows the truth. You won’t get away with this!"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Penelope, you’re painfully naive."

Her dismissive tone stung, making Penelope bristle. "Excuse me? You’re the one who’s naive!"

"Really? Did you even read the document? Nathaniel’s signature is already on it. All it needs is mine, and it becomes legally binding."

Evelyn’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Once it’s finalized, my child will be the heir to the Whitmore empire. And guess who’ll have a say in the family’s financial decisions?"

She leaned in slightly, voice dripping with amusement. "That includes your credit limit, by the way."

Penelope paled. "Don’t get ahead of yourself. Once I expose you, Nathaniel will never let this happen. Your little scheme will collapse."

Evelyn scoffed. "With Eleanor backing me and a Whitmore heir in my belly, who can touch me?" She tilted her head. "Still think I’m the naive one?"

Penelope’s throat tightened. Her credit had been restricted for weeks, forcing her to rely on Victoria’s measly supplementary card. The humiliation was unbearable.

If Evelyn secured her position as the Whitmore heiress, Penelope’s future would be ruined.

Panicked, she stumbled back and fled.

Evelyn watched her retreat with quiet satisfaction. Penelope couldn’t handle pressure to save her life.

Still, one question nagged at her—how had Penelope been so certain about the pregnancy? If word got out, it could spell trouble.

Resting a hand on her stomach, Evelyn knew she had to act first.

Meanwhile, Eleanor’s surgery had stretched past two hours. Needing a moment, Evelyn rose and headed for the restroom.

Fate had a way of complicating things.

She nearly collided with Nathaniel in the hallway.

Their eyes met, tension crackling between them.

Evelyn cleared her throat. "Excuse me. Restroom."

Nathaniel stepped aside wordlessly, and she slipped past him.

Inside, her thoughts spiraled—Penelope’s threats, Nathaniel’s sudden reluctance to finalize the divorce.

The Whitmores were nothing but trouble.

With a sigh, she stepped back into the hall.

Nathaniel sat by the window, laptop abandoned, gaze distant.

Hesitating, Evelyn approached.

Outside, two birds perched on a branch, preening each other’s feathers, beaks brushing affectionately.

Since when did birds flaunt their relationships?

Silence settled between them again—until Evelyn’s stomach growled loudly.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as she pressed a hand to her abdomen. It wasn’t even lunchtime. Why now?