Chapter 491

Vivienne lingered in the hospital room longer than necessary.

Dominic's doting treatment of Evelyn made Vivienne's chest tighten with suffocating envy.

Finally, she stormed out, bitterness and resentment clinging to her like a second skin.

After Vivienne's departure, Abigail, Gregory, and Olivia arrived bearing gifts.

They exchanged polite greetings with Dominic before fussing over Evelyn's condition.

His commanding presence made the atmosphere stiff and uncomfortable.

Recognizing their discomfort, Dominic excused himself with a casual remark about needing a smoke, giving Evelyn space with her colleagues.

"How did this happen? A car accident? And such a severe one at that." Olivia clutched Evelyn's hand, frowning at the bulky cast encasing her leg.

"Just a stupid accident while crossing the street. Really, I'm fine now." Evelyn downplayed the life-threatening collision to spare them worry.

Abigail's twin pregnancy had reached six months. Her swollen belly made walking precarious.

She rubbed her lower back while scolding gently, "You must be more careful crossing roads these days. With so many reckless drivers around, it's like playing Russian roulette. Here I thought I'd be hospitalized first when I deliver in three months. What idiot wasn't watching the road?"

"Sit down before you exhaust yourself, Abigail. The babies need their rest." Evelyn gestured to the nearby chair, concerned about the strain on her colleague.

Abigail gratefully sank onto the chair but kept busy peeling an apple. "With injuries like these, you won't be walking properly for months. Just focus on recovery and forward any pending work to me."

Gregory chuckled. "Still the workaholic, Abigail? Even heavily pregnant? Find yourself a good husband and you wouldn't need to work so hard."

Abigail shot him a glare. "I have perfectly functioning limbs, thank you. Why rely on a man? Most are about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. They'll promise you the moon until someone shinier catches their eye. I'd rather invest in myself than gamble on some man's fleeting attention."

Evelyn nodded in agreement. "Abigail's right, Gregory. The world won't go easy on us just because we're women. Our hard work isn't about wealth—it's about proving our worth through what we can achieve."

Gregory mock-applauded. "Bravo, ladies. Your determination puts us men to shame. I'd better step up my game or risk being left behind by such brilliant women. I was looking forward to collaborating on the urban renewal project, Evelyn, but it seems you'll be sidelined for a while."

Evelyn absently touched her cast. "No one expects accidents. But don't worry, I can still work remotely during recovery. My door—or hospital bed—is always open for discussions."

Olivia handed Evelyn a peeled orange segment. "You should be resting, not working. Trying to outdo Abigail in independence?"

Before Evelyn could respond, Abigail cut in sharply. "What's wrong with independence? Evelyn's brilliant, ambitious, and talented—she's more than capable. Frankly, among us three, she'll be the first to get promoted."

Evelyn gave a modest smile. "I just do my best without ulterior motives. Actually, I have good news—I'm three months pregnant."

The announcement stunned them into silence.

Olivia recovered first with an ear-piercing squeal. She pinched Evelyn's shoulders excitedly. "When did this happen? You kept this secret so well!"

Abigail abandoned her half-peeled apple to stare at Evelyn's flat stomach. "After that horrific crash and the baby's still safe? That's one lucky child! Congratulations, Evelyn. My twins will have a playmate soon."

As the only man present, Gregory couldn't fully relate but offered sincere congratulations nonetheless.

Though not officially married to Dominic yet, everyone knew Evelyn might as well already be Mrs. Blackwood in all but name.

Meanwhile...

Taking advantage of Reginald Blackwood and Margaret's absence while the twins were at school, Beatrice invited Lillian for a tour of Blackwood Manor.

Playing the gracious hostess, Beatrice led Lillian through various rooms until they reached Dominic's private quarters.

Producing an electronic keycard, Beatrice announced proudly, "My son's obsessively private—no woman's ever entered his room. But since you're practically his girlfriend already, I'll let you have a peek."

Lillian feigned shy hesitation.

She burned with curiosity but pretended modesty. "Aunt Beatrice, wouldn't Dominic be upset if we entered without permission?"

Beatrice waved dismissively. "Why would he? He's my son—he listens to me."

A mocking smile threatened to break through Lillian's carefully constructed demure expression.

If Dominic truly obeyed his mother, she'd have been his wife years ago.

Heart pounding, Lillian imagined finding Dominic waiting inside.

After several failed attempts, Beatrice stood frozen in humiliation.

The realization hit her like a slap—Dominic had changed the locks.