Chapter 154

Evelyn's pupils constricted violently.

Julian's face suddenly loomed close enough for her to see the faint tremble of his lashes. His scorching breath carried an overwhelming masculine scent.

Her instincts screamed to retreat, yet her body remained frozen.

The world spun abruptly.

"Evelyn!" Julian's hand clamped onto her shoulder.

She collapsed like a marionette with severed strings. Her gaze turned vacant, lips drained of color.

Julian dropped to one knee, barely catching her limp form.

"Wake up!" His palm patted her cheek gently.

The girl in his arms was deathly pale, her lips nearly translucent.

Scooping her up bridal-style, he sprinted toward the elevator.

"Put me down..." Evelyn pushed weakly against his chest.

Staggering to her feet, she braced against the wall, retching violently. Her stomach churned, but nothing came up.

Julian offered a handkerchief. "Hospital. Now."

"Not necessary..." She wiped cold sweat from her temples. "I just need rest."

"You said that last time." His fingers encircled her wrist like steel bands. "This time, you're getting checked."

Under the sterile garage lighting, his expression turned flinty.

"Julian!" She wrenched free.

"Sophie's still hospitalized." His voice dropped dangerously low. "Want to follow her footsteps?"

The words stabbed like ice picks.

Evelyn's fingertips turned to ice. The family's genetic curse hung over her like the sword of Damocles.

"Tomorrow," she conceded.

At dawn, Julian's call came precisely on schedule.

"I'm at the office." Evelyn studied her ashen reflection. "Penelope's returning today—"

"Three p.m. Horizon's physician will expect you."

When the needle pierced her vein, Evelyn turned her face away.

"Notify me immediately with results." She gave the doctor a strained smile.

The moment the door closed, Julian murmured, "Add progesterone and hCG panels."

Three hours later, Evelyn accepted the medication box.

"Take these on schedule." Julian tapped the pill bottle. "Next collapse lands you in inpatient care."

Scanning the iron supplements, her tension eased slightly.

"Field assignments are suspended." He hesitated. "Or... a department transfer?"

"I'm fine." She hugged the medicine bag and turned.

As the office door clicked shut, Julian yanked open his desk drawer.

The pregnancy test report glared up at him—hCG levels skyrocketing beyond normal range.