Chapter 192

Madeline Kingsley's eyes reddened with self-reproach.

Isabella's mother barged into the hospital room with an entourage, radiating hostility.

"Your family caused my daughter's miscarriage!" Mrs. Winslow shrieked, her voice piercing.

The elderly matriarch froze in shock.

"What nonsense is this?" Eleanor Kingsley immediately stepped forward, shielding Evelyn's bed. "You've got the wrong people, Mrs. Winslow."

Her lips curled in a cold smile. "Are the Winslows addicted to fraud? First harassing Alexander, now targeting Evelyn?"

Mrs. Winslow stiffened.

Among Kingsbury's elite circles, Eleanor Kingsley was her greatest fear. The Kingsleys' wealth was formidable, Eleanor's wit razor-sharp, and Mr. Kingsley fiercely protective of his wife.

"Now, dear in-law—" Mrs. Winslow's bravado faltered.

"Who's your in-law?" Eleanor cut her off mercilessly. "Your daughter got herself knocked up and tried pinning it on our family. Karma took care of her little scheme. Now you dare show your face here?"

Mrs. Winslow trembled with rage. "Isabella was carrying a Kingsley heir!"

"Fine," Eleanor arched a brow. "Let's DNA test that miscarried fetus. If it's Alexander's, we'll take responsibility. If not..."

She stepped closer. "That's criminal fraud."

Mrs. Winslow's gaze darted away before landing on Madeline. "You personally approved their engagement, Madam Kingsley—"

"I was a fool!" Madeline snapped. "Your daughter pushed Evelyn down the stairs and got her just deserts. How dare you come here?"

"DNA test!" Eleanor pressed. "Do you have the guts?"

She added coldly, "And we're reporting Isabella for assault."

Mrs. Winslow paled.

She'd come to humiliate Evelyn upon hearing of her hospitalization. Isabella had gambled everything on this pregnancy. With the baby gone and no gains, she'd sought petty vengeance.

She never expected the entire Kingsley family present.

Nor that even doting Madeline would turn against them.

Realizing defeat, Mrs. Winslow fled in disgrace.

The Kingsleys regarded Eleanor with newfound respect.

Turning to Alexander, Eleanor ordered, "Investigate why Isabella was at the Eatons'."

Madeline whispered guiltily, "I took her... She said she wanted parenting advice..."

The scheme became clear.

Isabella had used the opportunity to eliminate her rival. Even if Madeline later discovered Evelyn's pregnancy, it would be too late—securing her position as the Kingsleys' "only heir."

"Why was Evelyn assigned to interview the Eatons?" Eleanor pressed.

Evelyn answered truthfully, "A last-minute assignment from my editor."

"How convenient." Eleanor's smile turned icy. "The Winslows' reach is impressive. Did they think Kingsleys are easily fooled?"

Her meaningful glance at Madeline carried both grace and warning: "Worst of all, exploiting your devotion to family, using you as their pawn. Mother, you almost lost your true grandchild."

Madeline could only nod repeatedly.

"That child was never mine," Alexander stated abruptly.

At their puzzled looks, he explained, "She once stole my hotel keycard... I have no memory of..."

His gaze flickered to Evelyn.

Security footage showed Evelyn leaving quickly that night, with Isabella entering afterward. He suspected tampering.

"No memory means nothing happened," Mr. Kingsley declared firmly, glancing pointedly at Evelyn.

A nurse entered, announcing visiting hours were over.

Outside, Eleanor immediately chastised Alexander, "She's carrying your child. When will you make Evelyn your wife?"