Chapter 418

Preston's despair transformed into joy at the unexpected news.

His attitude toward Julian softened slightly, though suspicion still lingered in his gaze. "You're a doctor?" he demanded.

Preston had always been a playboy. Fast cars, luxury yachts, exclusive nightclubs, and beautiful women were his only concerns. The world beyond his hedonistic pursuits remained a mystery to him.

He had no idea Julian Whitmore was a renowned figure in medical circles.

Julian crossed his arms, looking down at Preston with visible disdain. "Board certified."

Preston's nostrils flared. "Name your price if you can cure me!"

Julian scoffed. "That's rich coming from you. If your brother Preston Sr. made that offer, I might consider it - at least his word means something in this city. But you? Please."

Preston's face turned ashen with rage.

The barb struck true. Within the Worthington family hierarchy, Preston Jr. ranked far below his formidable older brother. In looks, status, resources, or capability, he couldn't hold a candle to the cunning and accomplished Preston Sr.

As the youngest Worthington son, Preston had been spoiled rotten since childhood. While excelling at extravagance, he lacked any sense of responsibility or moral compass.

Everyone knew Preston Worthington Sr. was the golden child - his promises carried weight. Meanwhile, the younger Worthington was just another trust fund brat living off family money.

Being compared to his brother always ignited Preston's fury. Preston Sr. loomed like an insurmountable mountain - no matter how hard he tried, he could never measure up...

Preston slammed his fist into the mattress. Silent tears streamed down his face as a fierce determination took root.

No more. He would prove his worth to the Worthingtons. He would accomplish something remarkable.

The new year passed in the blink of an eye.

For Evelyn, these days overflowed with contentment.

Dominic surprised her with thoughtful gifts regularly. Their twins behaved impeccably, requiring minimal supervision. Only the little one in her womb caused distress - morning sickness plagued her relentlessly. She could barely keep food down.

Dominic grew increasingly frantic.

He resented their unborn child for tormenting Evelyn. This little demon already wreaked havoc before birth - what chaos would it unleash afterward? For the first time, he regretted impregnating her.

Whenever the baby caused Evelyn discomfort, Dominic would scold her belly.

Evelyn found his behavior endearingly childish. How could a fetus possibly understand him?

Julian administered IV treatments for several days before her condition improved.

Eventually, Beatrice discovered Evelyn's pregnancy. Though drowning in her own sorrows, this was her grandchild. To maintain peace, Beatrice chose avoidance - shopping with society friends, spa treatments, beauty appointments. She rarely returned before nightfall.

Moreover, Evelyn and Dominic primarily resided in their penthouse, seldom staying at Blackwood Manor. Their paths rarely crossed, minimizing unnecessary conflict.

The happiest Blackwood was Reginald.

The patriarch always desired a large family. Initially concerned about the Blackwood lineage, Evelyn had already blessed him with great-grandchildren. Now expecting another, Reginald beamed constantly, declaring Evelyn the family's lucky star.

He promised lavish rewards regardless of the baby's gender.

Margaret Lockwood endured the most tedious New Year's celebrations.

Since learning of Evelyn's pregnancy, her venomous glares followed Evelyn's belly with such intensity others noticed. Evelyn pitied the woman betrayed by her husband, but those judgmental stares made her skin crawl.

Despite Reginald's authority, Evelyn avoided the oppressive atmosphere of Blackwood Manor.

Time marched on. The eighth arrived - back to work.

Dominic urged Evelyn to rest at home, but idleness didn't suit her. With her barely noticeable bump and excellent health, she insisted on returning to the office.

Knowing her stubbornness, Dominic relented. He'd assign light duties to minimize stress.

Unaware of his plans, Evelyn happily prepared for work.

After six months of dedication, she'd secured major contracts. Thrilled her designs earned client appreciation, she'd even drafted first-quarter goals and project plans at home.

Upon entering T Corporation's design department, Evelyn noticed employees staring - particularly Bernadette, whose smirk oozed schadenfreude.

Confused, Evelyn approached her workstation.

As she moved to sit, she spotted a fashionably dressed woman in oversized sunglasses occupying Abigail's seat. The stranger's back faced her, but her posture screamed beauty.

Even from a distance, Evelyn sensed her icy arrogance.

The aura felt familiar - reminiscent of Dominic.

Evelyn's confusion grew. Who was this intimidating woman making colleagues tremble? Instinct warned this wasn't someone to cross.

Olivia discreetly shielded her mouth, mouthing two words: "Vivienne Laurent..."

Hearing that long-absent name, recalling the lace panties in Dominic's car, Evelyn's heart plummeted. Ms. Laurent had returned.

Evelyn froze as Vivienne shifted her stiletto, swiveling the chair gracefully to face her.

The woman's glacial demeanor stole Evelyn's breath.