Chapter 451

Nathaniel glanced at his wristwatch. "Perfect timing."

Samuel lifted Amelia off his lap, rising with effortless grace before slipping into his tailored jacket. "Then it's settled. The three of us will finalize the engagement details over lunch."

"Fine," Nathaniel replied flatly.

Meanwhile, Evelyn—still concealed behind the towering bookshelf, her hand resting protectively over her barely-there bump—felt her stomach twist.

Her lips curled into a bitter smile.

So they're discussing Nathaniel and Amelia's engagement now? Of course their families won't object. Not when they already share a child. Maybe this is their chance to finally play happy family.

Samuel draped an arm around Amelia's shoulders, guiding her toward the door when he suddenly halted. "Nathaniel, would you mind escorting Amelia to the restaurant first? I just recalled an urgent matter. I'll have Oliver reserve a table. Go ahead without me—I'll join you shortly."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. He couldn't care less.

"Of course, Samuel," Amelia chirped, batting her lashes. "Don't keep us waiting too long."

Samuel flashed her a charming grin. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Evelyn exhaled shakily as their footsteps faded. Finally. They're gone.

Then, without warning, nausea surged. She clamped a hand over her mouth, swallowing hard. Not now. Stay quiet.

But the sickness clawed its way up, relentless. Stress and exhaustion had worsened her symptoms.

Damn it—

A choked cough escaped her.

Nathaniel froze mid-step, his fingers inches from the door handle. His entire body went rigid.

That voice—

Amelia spun around, eyes wide. "Samuel, who was that? Is someone else here?"

Samuel barely spared the bookshelf a glance. "You must be imagining things."

"No, I heard it!" Amelia's grin turned mischievous. "Are you hiding a woman in here?" She practically skipped toward the shelves. "Let's see who's—"

Samuel didn't stop her. Explaining Evelyn's presence would be tedious, but it hardly mattered now.

Evelyn's pulse spiked. Shit.

Amelia peered behind the shelf—and her smirk vanished.

For a full minute, she stood frozen, her doe eyes darkening with shock, then venom.

What the hell is SHE doing here?