Chapter 386

"I'm not judging you, Abigail, but your symptoms look strikingly similar to what I experienced during my pregnancy." Evelyn lowered her voice. "A woman should always be in control of her health. I strongly suggest you get checked at the hospital."

Evelyn understood the turmoil of an unplanned pregnancy all too well. When she'd carried the twins, she hadn't known Dominic was their father. The memory of those agonizing months still haunted her.

Abigail's fingers trembled as she pressed them to her temples. Fragments of that drunken night at the bar flashed through her mind - the stranger's hands, the hotel room, the morning-after regret. Her stomach churned.

'One night. Just one reckless night. This can't be happening.'

"Evelyn," she whispered urgently, "could you get me a pregnancy test from the pharmacy? And please... nobody can know about this."

"Of course." Evelyn squeezed her hand. "Your secret's safe with me. I'll be back in fifteen minutes."

The evening rush had begun at T Corporation. Employees flooded the lobby, crowding around the regular elevators. In her haste, Evelyn instinctively stepped into the CEO's private lift - the one Dominic always shared with her.

Only when she exited did she notice the stares. The whispers. The envious glances from colleagues.

She didn't have time for office politics now.

The pharmacy shelves stretched before her. Evelyn grabbed two different tests - one strip, one digital. Double confirmation for peace of mind.

On her return, she collided with someone hard. The tests clattered to the floor. Heat rushed to her cheeks as dozens of eyes turned her way.

Strong hands gripped her shoulders. Dominic.

"Mr. Blackwood," she stammered, using their professional address.

His gaze dropped to the pregnancy tests. A slow smile curved his lips. "Evelyn... are we expecting?"

Her pulse skyrocketed. She couldn't betray Abigail's trust, but company policy barred pregnant employees from promotions. This could ruin Abigail's career.

"N-no," she lied, fingers twisting together. "My cycle's been irregular. Just... precautionary."

Dominic's smile turned knowing. "Your last period started on the 8th, darling. It's barely been two weeks. The tests wouldn't be accurate yet."

Evelyn's face burned. He remembered her cycle dates. Of course he did.

"I'm... stocking up for later," she mumbled.

Dominic studied her - the pink flush creeping up her neck, the way she worried her lower lip between her teeth. Evelyn always bit her lip when lying. Just like Isabella.

"Alright," he relented. "But I'll walk you back."

As they moved through the lobby, Evelyn felt like a specimen under microscope. The whispers grew louder.

"Design department's Evelyn Sinclair gets special treatment again..."

"Riding the CEO's private elevator? Must be sleeping her way up..."

"Doesn't even dress well. What does he see in her?"

Dominic's arm tightened around her waist. His expression turned glacial as he scanned the crowd. Immediately, heads ducked, conversations died.

The moment they turned the corner, Evelyn blurted out the truth. "They're for a colleague. I promised confidentiality."

Dominic's demeanor softened. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Meet me in the parking garage when you're done."

She nodded and hurried away, the pregnancy tests burning a hole in her pocket.

Behind her, Dominic's gaze turned arctic again. The employees scattered like leaves in winter wind.

'That switch from gentle to terrifying... is this really the same man?' someone whispered.

Nobody dared answer.