Chapter 377

"No need for complications. You can escort Ms. Montgomery back to the hotel while I visit Beatrice at the hospital alone." Evelyn's refusal was firm, her sharp gaze locking onto Nathaniel.

His brow furrowed. "Evelyn, it's late. I don't like the idea of you going by yourself."

"I have a driver. What's there to fear? Besides, I managed just fine earlier, didn't I?"

A knowing smile played on Evelyn's lips.

Cassandra sensed the tension and interjected. "Evelyn, are you upset because of Nathaniel and me? I only visited Sir Edward at my father's request, not to cause trouble. If I've offended you, I apologize. You're pregnant—stress isn't good for the baby."

"Thank you for your concern, Ms. Montgomery. The baby is mine, and I know what's best. Since you've never been pregnant or a mother, I believe I have more experience in this matter. Your worry is unnecessary."

Evelyn's tone was cool, her expression unreadable. But Nathaniel knew better—this wasn't her usual demeanor when content.

He reached for her hand. "Let me come with you. Dr. Harrison called earlier about Beatrice's surgery. I need to discuss it with him. We'll go together, alright?"

Only Beatrice's name could soften Evelyn's resolve.

Nathaniel took the wheel, Evelyn beside him, Cassandra in the backseat.

Cassandra leaned forward. "Evelyn, between your pregnancy, the upcoming competition, Martin Group projects, and caring for Beatrice, isn't it too much?"

"I can handle it. The timing isn't overlapping."

Cassandra nodded. "You don’t have to push yourself so hard. With Nathaniel, you could have an easier life."

"Appreciate the thought, Ms. Montgomery. But everyone has their own path, don’t they?"

No matter how accomplished Nathaniel was or how stable their relationship, Evelyn believed in maintaining her career and independence.

After dropping Cassandra off, silence settled between them on the way to the hospital.

At Dr. Harrison's office, they learned Beatrice was stable enough for surgery and needed psychological preparation.

By the time they left Beatrice's ward, night had fallen.

Hand in hand, stepping into the cool evening air, Nathaniel finally broke the silence. "Are you angry with me?"

"Should I be?"

"Is this about Cassandra?"

"Why would it be about her? Nathaniel, what makes you think that?"

"Because I agreed to go to the manor with her? Or because we've been working closely lately?"

He wasn’t entirely sure, but these were the only recent events that might have caused tension.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Nathaniel, if our roles were reversed—if Cassandra were a man—how would you feel?"

Nathaniel went quiet.

Gazing at the city lights, Evelyn continued calmly, "Isn’t marriage about mutual understanding?"

She wouldn’t demand he distance himself from Cassandra. Instead, she flipped the scenario, letting him reflect—and hopefully, choose to change on his own.