Evelyn didn’t say anything. Maria had high blood pressure and a weak heart, so Evelyn didn’t want to worry her. Later, Evelyn made a trip back to the Grant Manor. That was when she found out Maria had fallen and broken her hip. Better to be flown in.

She still remembered that Evelyn loved seafood. “I’ve been thinking,” Maria said, looking at Evelyn. “You’ve lost weight. I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare more nutritious meals for you. You need to take care of yourself.” Despite everything, Maria still cared for Evelyn.

A call taking care of yourself? Look at how much weight you’ve lost. Besides, raising a baby takes a…

Evelyn didn’t know how to respond. Maria hoped she would give the tyrant a grandchild.

But that was always going to happen. The divorce was inevitable, even if they were in a rush.

Ignoring Evelyn’s silence, Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Evelyn, you and Lucas Grant have been married for three years, and there’s still no baby. Maybe it’s…”

Worried she might take it the wrong way, Maria stopped.

…unease. Maria sighed, a voler in…

…achieve. If prevented, she would always be an outsider…

…in the Grant family. Just as she was about to stride in, Lucas appeared, his deep presence engulfing Evelyn for a moment. He wore his usual dark suit, looking as composed as ever. He walked straight towards Grandma, traffic flowing around them.

Evelyn noticed that his arm brushed against her. She shifted slightly away.

Maria peeled some lobster meat and placed it on Evelyn’s plate. Kindly, “Eat more, dear. This year, let’s put in the effort. It would be pleasant to have good news by the end of the year.”

Evelyn hesitated.

Lucas, without missing a beat, placed a piece of something on Grandma’s plate. “Try this, Grandma. It’s got a nice, fresh crunch.”

Maria shot him a look. She wasn’t unphased. She knew he was trying to change the subject.

“Don’t try to change the topic. You’re old enough. When are you going to be ready to be a father?” Maria pressed the question.

Lucas was a master at dodging these conversations.

After dinner, Maria insisted Evelyn stay upstairs.

She hadn’t planned on staying the night. She glanced at Lucas, hoping he would make up an excuse for her, but he didn’t even look up.

Evelyn gave up. It didn’t matter anyway. Lucas always left once it got late. They weren’t going to stay. There was a bed somewhat meant for both of them, but Sophia had arranged for him to sleep in a guest room.

…whatever was on his laptop at the time…

…thus she stayed quiet. “This time, Maria personally led her to the master bedroom.”

Lucas still hadn’t come upstairs even after she had taken a shower. She figured he was just waiting for Maria to leave before making off to be with Tiffany.

Her phone alarm went off. It was a reminder to take her medication. She grabbed the pill bottle and headed downstairs. As she reached the staircase landing, she overheard a conversation. Maria was speaking to Lucas.

…had never understood why Maria disliked Evelyn so much, especially when it came to the topic of children.

“What are your thoughts?” Sophia asked, skeptical.

Lucas looked up from his laptop, still scrolling through data. “What are you suggesting?”

Maria asked, “Are you seriously thinking about having a child with Evelyn?! Lucas, the baby’s here, there’s something to it. Cutting ties with her…”

…would love a woman who had…

He took a slim sip of his drink, neither confirming nor denying. “How are your projects going, Sophia?”

Maria sighed. “I’m just thinking about what’s best for you, Lucas. Evelyn’s a decent and capable person, her background’s great, and her education is…”

“Marriage genes are what really matter—somebody highly intelligent and accomplished would be a quality advantage for the next generation.”