Chapter 348

Regal Capital.

"You can stay here for now, Olivia. I've prepaid a full year's rent, and there's still over six months left on the lease. It's non-refundable anyway, and the place would just sit empty," Evelyn said, squeezing Olivia's hand gently.

"Thank you, Evelyn. I don't know what I'd do without you." Olivia glanced around the cozy one-bedroom apartment, her heart swelling with gratitude.

Her mother Patricia was completely preoccupied with helping her brother Nathan through his legal troubles, running between different prison facilities without a second thought for Olivia's situation.

Worse still, if her traditionalist mother discovered the pregnancy, she'd undoubtedly force Olivia to terminate it.

"I'm the one who should be apologizing to you." Evelyn's eyes clouded with guilt again.

"Stop saying that. What's done is done, and regret won't change anything. You're my best friend, and I can't bear seeing you torture yourself like this. We need to focus on the positive now. I believe we'll get through this, no matter how hard it seems. I'm at the perfect age for motherhood anyway."

Olivia gently stroked her stomach with a soft smile. "Maybe this baby is heaven's gift to me."

Ever the optimist, Olivia had always been able to find silver linings in difficult situations.

"I'm sure your baby will be the most adorable child ever. They'll look just like you!"

"I hope so too..." Olivia's smile widened as she imagined holding her own little one - a miniature version of herself, as cute as Alexander and Isabella.

She was actually looking forward to the birth now.

Evelyn settled Olivia on the couch before moving to tidy the bedroom. "I haven't stayed here in ages. The room's a mess. Rest while I clean up."

Olivia made to stand. "I'm pregnant, not an invalid. Must you treat me like glass? Let me help."

Evelyn firmly pushed her back down. "You saw your medical report. Your constitution is weaker than average, and the slightest strain could cause a miscarriage. You need all the rest you can get. When I was carrying Alexander and Isabella..."

Olivia listened with amused resignation as Evelyn launched into an exhaustive list of pregnancy precautions. She might pretend to find it annoying, but the care warmed her heart.

After cleaning, Evelyn went to the neighborhood market for groceries.

On her way back up the stairs, she encountered Tabitha returning from the wet market, casually carrying a live chicken under one arm.

They hadn't seen each other in months.

Tabitha couldn't help noticing how radiant Evelyn looked - her skin glowing, her features more refined. Meanwhile, her own daughter's complexion had grown rough from outdoor reporting assignments. Jealousy twisted in her chest.

"Well if it isn't Evelyn?" she sneered. "Thought you'd landed yourself some sugar daddy and moved into a mansion. Back so soon? Got dumped, did you? Ha! I knew you couldn't rely on rich men, but you never listen. Bet he found someone younger and prettier. Shouldn't have gotten above your station in the first place!"

Evelyn despised this woman - not just for her condescension, but for her vicious gossip. Only respect for elders kept her from slapping that smug face.

"Do you ever realize how utterly tiresome you are, Aunt Tabitha?" Evelyn said coldly, staring her down.

"What did you just say?" Tabitha's beady eyes bulged in disbelief.

Evelyn stood a full head taller, even in flats. She loomed over the older woman imposingly.

"Some elders earn respect through kindness and wisdom. But others - like you - are nothing but petty, ignorant busybodies. Tell me, Aunt Tabitha, what exactly do you gain from slandering me? Does it make you a better person? Advance your daughter's career?"

"You... How dare you speak to me like that, you little tramp? If the shoe fits! Stop pretending to be some virtuous lady - everyone knows you're just a kept woman!" Tabitha was shaking with rage, clutching her eggs like potential projectiles.

"Let me make this perfectly clear, Aunt Tabitha. I am not a mistress!"

Evelyn's fists clenched so tightly her nails nearly pierced the grocery bags. She fixed Tabitha with a glare that made the older woman recoil.

"I don't care if you believe this, but that man is my boyfriend, and I am the biological mother of those children. We were separated by misunderstandings for years before reuniting. This is your only warning - spread one more lie about me, and I'll see you in court!"

Her voice rang with steely authority, a far cry from her usual gentle tone.

The transformation was so startling that even the notoriously brazen Tabitha found herself cowed into silence.

With one last withering look, Evelyn stepped around her and continued upstairs.

Only when Evelyn turned the corner did Tabitha regain her voice. "Pah!" she spat. "Who do you think you're fooling, you shameless hussy? You'll get what's coming to you!"