Chapter 380

Their conversation continued as they approached the blood collection center.

Evelyn knocked before pushing Beatrice inside. The room was partitioned with curtains, other patients already present. A nurse helped Beatrice onto the examination table for the blood draw. Unexpectedly, a nurse's voice inquired, "Why didn't your daughter accompany you today?"

"She's busy rehearsing for her symphony performance," came the familiar reply.

Evelyn instantly recognized Winifred's voice.

Her brows furrowed slightly. So Isabella hadn't bothered to come with her mother to the hospital.

Evelyn dismissed the thought, merely overhearing the exchange as she passed by.

After Beatrice's procedure, Evelyn wheeled her grandmother ahead while Simon assisted Winifred behind them. At Beatrice's insistence, Evelyn wore a mask, remaining unrecognized. Just as she considered increasing their distance, Simon's irritated voice carried from behind. "Isabella hasn't visited in weeks. Does she no longer care?"

"Lower your voice!" Winifred hissed. "What if someone hears? Isabella may not share our blood, but she's already done more than enough. Push too hard and she might sever ties completely." Simon seemed to accept this logic, falling silent.

The revelation struck Evelyn like lightning.

Isabella wasn't their biological child.

The shock left Evelyn reeling. Her first thought was whether Nathaniel knew.

After settling Beatrice back in her room, Evelyn went straight to Martin Group headquarters.

Cassandra Montgomery happened to be there. Since their recent heart-to-heart, the tension between them had eased. They exchanged polite nods before Cassandra discreetly excused herself, leaving Evelyn alone with Nathaniel. "I accompanied Beatrice for her tests today," Evelyn began. "Guess what I discovered?"

Her unreadable expression piqued Nathaniel's curiosity.

"Playing mysterious? What did you hear?" Nathaniel asked with an amused smile.

Evelyn's tone turned serious. "Did Isabella ever tell you she's not biologically related to her parents?"

"No," Nathaniel answered calmly, showing no surprise.

Evelyn frowned. "Nathaniel, doesn't that seem strange to you?"

"I've known for some time," he admitted.

"Did she confess it herself?"

"Samuel uncovered it." Nathaniel revealed this without hesitation.

Yet Evelyn pressed, "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Why should it?" Nathaniel's genuine confusion only deepened Evelyn's bewilderment.

Now Evelyn was the perplexed one.

She studied Nathaniel intently, suddenly at a loss for words. "She lied to you," Evelyn pointed out. "That doesn't upset you?"

"It's her personal matter, not mine," Nathaniel replied, his expression serene, his tone indifferent. To him, it clearly held no significance.

But his response carried different implications for Evelyn.

She suddenly regretted coming to share Winifred's revelation. Initially shocked, she'd wondered if Isabella had ever told Nathaniel the truth.

If not, it constituted deception.

She'd sought clarity.

Now Nathaniel's response made her feel petty.

Even if Isabella's secrecy was questionable, Evelyn's actions amounted to gossip.

A self-deprecating smile touched her lips as she silently chastised herself.

When you loved someone, you accepted their flaws unconditionally.

With a quiet sigh, Evelyn offered, "My apologies. I overstepped. Of course you wouldn't care - you love her too much to let such things matter."