Chapter 338

Eleanor fixed Vanessa with a stern look. "Didn't Dr. Wells specifically order bed rest?"

"I just want to visit Willowbrook Apartments for a little while. It's a short trip—I have a car arranged. Nothing will go wrong!" Vanessa protested.

Eleanor's frown deepened. "And why exactly do you need to go?"

Vanessa chewed her bottom lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "I miss my family... I just need to see them."

"You're recovering and carrying a child. If anyone should be visiting, it should be them coming to you. You shouldn't be exerting yourself," Eleanor insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Eleanor was fiercely protective of Vanessa's pregnancy. Even Harold had mentioned just days ago that they would host a grand celebration once the baby arrived.

Inwardly, Eleanor thought, Does this mean Vincent will finally return?

That’s why this pregnancy must go smoothly. The baby has to be born safe and healthy!

Just then, a maid hurried in from the hallway, leaning close to whisper something urgent into Eleanor's ear.

Vanessa's fingers curled into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms.

Eleanor's voice dripped with mockery. "How amusing. All this time, I thought you were just some insignificant girl, but you're actually Richard's illegitimate daughter? How... unexpected."

Vanessa's face drained of color. She hadn't anticipated the news spreading so fast—especially not with Eleanor still in the house.

If Eleanor knew, the rumors outside would be far worse.

Eleanor had always despised her. Now, with the label of a bastard child, she had even more reason to push Vanessa aside.

Her gaze dropped to Vanessa's swollen belly.

"Vanessa, stop this foolishness. Stay in bed and don’t go anywhere. You're in the center of a storm right now. Stepping outside will only make things worse."

"Your only priority is that child. Deliver a healthy, plump little prince, and suddenly, everyone will call you blessed. Who will care about your origins then? Just don’t lose sight of what truly matters."

"And remember—once you leave this house, I can’t shield you. If Ethan gets his hands on you and forces an abortion, you’ll lose everything."

Normally, Eleanor wouldn’t waste so many words on Vanessa.

But the thought of her acting recklessly and endangering the baby was unbearable.

The moment Evelyn stepped outside, her eyes landed on a sleek vintage car parked by the curb.

Alexander leaned casually against the polished frame, his posture relaxed. When he spotted Evelyn, a slow, warm smile spread across his face.

Evelyn blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. She hurried toward him, her voice laced with disbelief. "You came to pick me up?"

Alexander nodded, his expression shifting to concern. The commotion inside the estate had been loud enough to reach his office.

He had rushed over, his stomach twisting at the thought of Evelyn caught in the middle of the chaos.

"What's wrong?" he teased, tilting his head slightly. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Evelyn exhaled, the tension in her shoulders melting away. His presence was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

"Of course I'm happy!" she exclaimed, her mood lifting instantly.

Just then, Margaret burst out of the grand doors of Hawthorne Estate, her voice sharp with urgency. "Evelyn! We need to talk!"

Evelyn turned, her expression turning icy. "There's nothing left to say."

Without another word, she reached for the car door.

Margaret rushed forward, desperation creeping into her tone. "Evelyn, I know you're angry with me, but you have to understand—I was deceived! I regret not seeing through that mother-daughter pair sooner. They manipulated me!"

Tears cascaded down Margaret's cheeks as the devastating truth crashed over her.

She had been such a fool.

How could she have ever mistaken the counterfeit for the real thing? Because of her blindness, her precious daughter had endured unbearable suffering and injustice.

Yet Margaret herself had been cruelly deceived for years.

Her husband—the man she had trusted with her life—had been carrying on an affair behind her back. He'd fathered another child.

Worse still, he'd switched their own baby.

The crushing weight of anguish and regret pressed down on Margaret's chest, filling her with a sorrow so profound it threatened to drown her.

Every breath burned.

Every heartbeat ached.

She had failed her daughter in the worst possible way.

Now she would spend the rest of her life making amends—if Evelyn would ever forgive her.

The thought sent fresh tears streaming down her face as she clutched the photograph of her real daughter to her chest. That sweet, plump little boy in the other photo wasn't hers at all.

The deception cut deeper than any knife.