Chapter 631

The news of Evelyn's hospitalization spread like wildfire.

No sooner had Dominic left her room than the Whitmore family descended upon the hospital in full force, their concern palpable as they crowded into her space with well-wishes and gifts.

Sophia Ellis entered first, carrying an oversized bag of supplements. "Evelyn, my family owns a wellness company. These are specially formulated for expectant mothers. If you like them, I can bring more next time." Not to be outdone, Audrey Mills chimed in, "And I brought organic fruits—pesticide-free and fresh!"

Evelyn felt slightly overwhelmed but forced a gracious smile, accepting their offerings as the room buzzed with chatter.

Harold Aniston even made an appearance, offering well-meaning but unsolicited advice about prenatal care.

Yet, amid the crowd, Evelyn couldn't help but notice the absence of Eleanor and her family.

Frankly, she was relieved. The last people she wanted to see were Eleanor, Ethan, or Vanessa. Their absence was a blessing.

Still, with so many visitors, she couldn’t bring herself to ask them to leave.

The forced pleasantries drained her, and exhaustion crept in.

Sophia, however, was determined to keep the conversation alive, her voice loud and persistent.

Just when Evelyn thought she couldn’t take another minute, Claire Dawson walked in—like a lifeline.

Claire surveyed the room with a sharp gaze. "Alright, everyone. Evelyn needs her rest now."

Sophia and the others took the hint, reluctantly filing out.

As the door clicked shut, Claire took Evelyn’s hand, concern etched on her face. "Seriously, you don’t have to entertain them. If you’re not in the mood, just send them away. Why suffer?"

Evelyn sighed. "They’re Alexander’s family. I have to keep up appearances. We’ll cross paths again, so it’s better to stay civil."

Besides, most of them were older than her. If she outright dismissed them, the gossip would be merciless.

Claire nodded in understanding. "I get it. I used to feel the same way about Lucas’s relatives. Every time I had to face them, I was a nervous wreck, playing the perfect wife."

She smirked. "But you’ve got it better than I did. At least Alexander has your back. Lucas? He was never around, leaving me to deal with his family alone."

Evelyn arched a brow. "I heard you’ve been spending time with Lucas again. Are you two… reconsidering things?"

She had no idea what had happened after Claire chased Julian to his hometown, but since then, Claire had never mentioned him again.

Evelyn suspected that chapter had closed.

The thought of Julian stirred mixed emotions—he had seemed like a decent man, treating Claire well.

Claire shook her head. "No, we’re not getting back together. We’ve agreed to co-parent Bella."

In other words, they would share custody.

"Now that he knows she exists, it’s time he steps up and acts like a father."

Claire’s tone was firm, as if she had made peace with the arrangement. After everything—giving birth, raising a newborn—while Lucas had walked away without lifting a finger, it was only fair.

Having spent time with Bella, Claire knew firsthand how exhausting parenting could be, especially during sleepless nights.

As much as she adored her daughter, she didn’t want her entire life consumed by childcare.

Now that she had recovered from childbirth, she needed to return to work—something impossible if she were solely responsible for Bella.

Involving Lucas was the logical solution.

Evelyn admired Claire’s resolve. Since her divorce, Claire had become more self-assured.

Women should always prioritize themselves.

"What about Julian? How are things with him?"

Claire’s gaze drifted past Evelyn. "I’m disappointed in Julian. I chose him hoping for happiness, and now I’m walking away for the same reason…"

She couldn’t understand why Julian had vanished without explanation, refusing to share his struggles. It felt like he didn’t trust her enough to let her in.

She knew he had his pride, but the lack of communication had created an irreparable rift.

Evelyn didn’t press further. Claire had clearly made her decision.

Just then, a knock interrupted them. Both women turned to see Isabella Morgan stepping inside.

Claire immediately tensed. She knew Evelyn’s hospitalization was tied to Isabella’s reckless actions.

This was the woman who had caused the car crash that sent Evelyn into premature labor—and now she had the audacity to show up here.

"What do you want?" Claire snapped, her voice icy.

Isabella swallowed hard. "I came to apologize to Evelyn."

Claire scoffed. "Apologize? Seriously?"

Evelyn glanced at Simon Graves, standing behind Isabella, and realized why she hadn’t seen him earlier.

Alexander must have sent her to make amends.

"I wasn’t thinking yesterday. I never meant to hurt you," Isabella said, biting her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She looked pitiful. "Evelyn, I’m so sorry!"

"Save it, Isabella. We’re not buying the act," Claire said dryly.

That kind of manipulation might work on men, but women saw right through it.

Isabella stood frozen, unsure whether to wipe her tears or let them fall.

If she hadn’t been expelled from the orchestra and left with nowhere to go, she wouldn’t have come so willingly.

"I didn’t steal your composition—I found it by accident. I had no idea it was yours. You didn’t actually lose anything, and honestly, the controversy gave you more exposure."

Claire let out a disbelieving laugh. "No loss? Are you joking? People were tearing Evelyn apart online, accusing her of plagiarism. If you hadn’t tweeted that nonsense, none of this would’ve happened!"

Isabella tried to defend herself. "But the song gained more attention because of it, didn’t it? If anything, I helped her."

"Are you seriously suggesting Evelyn should thank you for this mess? Isabella, have you no shame?"

Cornered, Isabella’s composure cracked.

"You don’t understand! I was kicked out of the orchestra because of this! She’ll never have to see me there again. Isn’t that punishment enough?"

Evelyn was surprised by how swiftly the orchestra had acted.

Claire wasn’t backing down. "You were fired because you plagiarized. Don’t blame Evelyn for your mistakes."

Isabella’s tears finally spilled over.

Her dreams of a music career were crumbling, and now she was being berated by Claire.

"If you want to cry, do it outside. Evelyn needs to rest," Claire said, rubbing her temples.

With that, Isabella fled, defeated.

She had fulfilled her mission—apologizing as Alexander demanded. Now, she just hoped he wouldn’t abandon her.

As she wiped her tears, a shadow loomed before her.

She looked up—and froze.