Chapter 441

Evelyn couldn't pinpoint why she'd been restless all night. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones playing tricks on her emotions.

The uneasiness clung to her like a second skin. Even Dominic's presence beside her did little to ease the gnawing discomfort in her chest.

Seeing her husband and twins interacting normally this morning finally made her feel alive again.

A glance at her watch showed 10 AM. Guilt twisted her stomach when she realized she'd overslept breakfast.

"Mommy, you're awake!" Isabella's sharp eyes spotted Evelyn first.

The little girl abandoned her hairbrush, rushing to Evelyn's side on tiptoes. Tiny fingers gently pressed against Evelyn's belly. "Hi Baby Brother! It's your big sister Isabella! Were you good in Mommy's tummy last night?"

This had become their morning ritual.

Though they didn't know the baby's gender, Alexander had convinced his sister it must be a boy.

Evelyn's heart melted at her daughter's antics.

She pulled Isabella close, crouching to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Baby Brother behaved, just like you." Isabella whispered, "When will he come out, Mommy? I want to play with him so bad."

Evelyn rubbed her stomach with a soft smile. "A few more months, sweetheart."

After their chat, Evelyn remembered breakfast. "I should prepare—"

Dominic cut her off with an indulgent look. "Already ordered delivery. We were waiting for you to wake up. The kids had milk and bread. They won't starve."

Relief washed over Evelyn.

Lately, she'd been sleeping later than usual.

Work concerns nagged at her. Being housebound during pregnancy might drive her insane - she couldn't stand idleness.

Breakfast arrived ten minutes later.

An extravagant spread covered the table: gourmet sandwiches, layer cakes, eggs prepared three ways, soups, fresh juices, dairy products, and two boxes of pregnancy-friendly fruits.

Dominic meticulously peeled a hard-boiled egg for Evelyn, piled her plate high, then filled her bowl with oatmeal. He blew on the steaming porridge until it cooled, nearly spoon-feeding her.

The twins exchanged eye rolls at their father's pampering.

Even they hadn't received such royal treatment.

Evelyn flushed with embarrassment.

Since her pregnancy, Dominic had become increasingly attentive, treating her like a fragile doll. The initial awkwardness had gradually faded into acceptance...

Post-breakfast, the twins played while Evelyn scrolled through social media.

Abigail's latest post showed disastrous salon results - her waist-length curls butchered into a failed Korean perm. The accompanying crying-face emoji made Evelyn chuckle. She hit 'like.'

Abigail responded instantly with a middle-finger emoji.

Evelyn laughed, continuing her scroll.

Olivia's feed showed several photos at a local orphanage with smiling children. Clearly another charity visit.

Since her abortion recovery, Olivia appeared cheerful, but Evelyn detected subtle differences.

The smiles didn't reach her eyes anymore. A silent sorrow lingered beneath the surface that made Evelyn's heart ache with guilt.

Further scrolling revealed Genevieve's concerning post - a stern elderly man's photo captioned simply: "Prayers."

The post disappeared moments later, but the unease remained. Evelyn's pulse quickened.

After deliberation, she messaged Genevieve privately: [Good morning Mrs. Prescott. Evelyn Sinclair from T Corporation here. Saw your recent post - hope I'm not overstepping, but is Mr. Prescott alright?]

The message sent, Evelyn worried it might seem intrusive. Yet she didn't hesitate when typing.

To her surprise, Genevieve replied within a minute: [Father-in-law had an arterial blockage yesterday. Thankfully timely intervention saved him. He's stable now. Thank you for your concern, Ms. Sinclair.]

Evelyn's breath hitched.

She remembered Mr. Prescott's vitality at his birthday celebration. How could such robust health deteriorate so suddenly?

Pity twisted her heart for the ailing patriarch.

After consideration, she responded: [In that case, he should avoid exertion, emotional stress, and temperature fluctuations. Wishing him speedy recovery...]

Genevieve's reply came swiftly: [Actually, Father-in-law mentioned you earlier. His new residence construction begins soon, but he wishes to discuss details. Are you available today? He'd like to meet.]

Evelyn set her phone down, emotions swirling. Even without the invitation, she'd planned to visit.

Though their interactions were few, Mr. Prescott's kindness always felt strangely familial - almost grandfatherly...