Chapter 405

Dominic's joy gradually settled into quiet contentment. He turned to Julian Whitmore with earnest questions about caring for a pregnant woman.

The family physician shared extensive advice.

Dominic listened with rapt attention. His fingers flew across his tablet, recording every word. He even requested Julian email him detailed notes later.

Julian recommended several authoritative pregnancy guides.

These volumes covered everything from prenatal care to postpartum recovery, including troubleshooting potential complications.

Evelyn nearly dozed off during the medical lecture. Dominic, however, kept typing furiously.

This wasn't their first child. Evelyn hadn't anticipated such intense preparation from her husband...

Before leaving, Julian flashed them a mischievous grin. "One last professional reminder, Evelyn. Don't be embarrassed."

Evelyn blinked in confusion.

'Embarrassed? What now?'

Julian addressed Dominic directly. "This is for you. Moderate exercise is fine during pregnancy, but you'll need to control certain... urges."

"Enough!"

Dominic launched a cushion at Julian's head, making the doctor duck with theatrical yelps.

Dominic hated personal discussions in front of others, especially when it made Evelyn blush.

"Medical advice only! Overexertion could harm the baby. After all my help, this is my thanks? Such terrible friends I have!" Julian pretended to sob. "Save me, Evelyn!"

Evelyn burst out laughing at the distinguished doctor's antics.

"Thank you, Dr. Whitmore. We'll follow your instructions carefully."

This second pregnancy felt different. No first-time fears, just pure joy.

Evelyn's hand drifted to her still-flat abdomen, her eyes softening with maternal warmth.

This child symbolized their love.

She'd missed Alexander and Isabella's early years. This time, she'd cherish every moment.

She'd give this child the complete childhood her twins had lost.

Only one worry remained - how the twins would react.

Horror stories flooded her mind. News reports of jealous siblings harming newborns...

Her fears proved unfounded.

The twins exploded with excitement upon hearing the news.

Now they debated loudly in the parlor.

"It's definitely a girl like me! Boys have boring toys. I want a sister to play house with! I'll braid her hair and share my doll clothes. A sister, please!"

Isabella struck a dramatic pose, finger pointed accusingly at her brother.

Alexander lounged on the sofa, the picture of his father in miniature.

He regarded his dramatic sister with amused tolerance. "It's a brother. Girls are fragile. When he grows up, we'll protect you together!"

Isabella sucked her thumb thoughtfully. "But brothers don't play dolls..."

"Foolish! You can dress him up! When he's older, he'll buy you mountains of dolls!"

Isabella's eyes widened. "You're right! I want a brother now! Yay!"

Alexander facepalmed at his easily swayed sister.

But secretly, he prayed for a brother.

Isabella was gullible enough. Protecting two naive sisters would exhaust him!

Isabella danced to Evelyn, pressing her ear against her mother's stomach. "Hello, little brother! I'm your big sister Isabella! Come out soon - I want my new toy!"

Evelyn didn't know whether to laugh.

Alexander's acceptance was expected. But possessive Isabella's enthusiasm surprised her - though treating the baby as a toy wasn't ideal.

Soon, pregnancy manuals and Julian's notes formed towering stacks by their bedside.

News spread through Blackwood Manor like wildfire.

When Margaret Lockwood heard Beatrice would gain another grandchild, she shattered her room's contents.

"That nightclub whore! Why does fortune favor her? Not only does her son control T Corporation, but grandchildren keep coming! If only that second car crash had finished them!"

Julian Blackwood froze in the doorway, shock etching his features. "Mother... you orchestrated Dominic's accident?"