Amelia Sterling’s relaxed smile vanished instantly.

What were the chances? Of all the places in Crestwood, she had to encounter Evelyn here.

But she maintained her composure. Her voice was even and professional. “Miss Sterling, you have my word. Your design will be finished on time and will meet the highest quality.”

Beside her, Charlotte Sinclair’s eyes narrowed slightly. She was discreetly evaluating Amelia.

Years of deep friendship had sharpened Charlotte’s intuition regarding Evelyn. Right now, she sensed a subtle, hostile undercurrent in Amelia’s stare.

Without hesitation, Charlotte shifted her position. She moved subtly, placing herself slightly in front of Evelyn.

Evelyn wasn't alone anymore. She was pregnant, more vulnerable than ever. Even minor stress or confrontation was something she must avoid.

Amelia, naturally, noticed Charlotte’s protective move. An amused eyebrow arched as she gave Charlotte a brief, dismissive glance. To Amelia, Evelyn was just a common woman with no real status or powerful backing. Anyone associated with her must be equally insignificant.

But then, Amelia’s gaze drifted. Something caught her eye.

Her eyes widened in sheer shock, locked onto the shopping bag in Evelyn’s hand. The logo of an exclusive maternity boutique was unmistakable. “Evelyn… are you pregnant?” For the first time, Amelia’s polished facade cracked. Her voice held a rare, undisguised disbelief.

Evelyn frowned at the intense reaction. Something felt wrong.

Instinctively, her hand found Charlotte’s. The immediate, reassuring squeeze from Charlotte helped her relax, just a fraction.

Why was Amelia reacting like this?

What did her pregnancy have to do with Amelia?

Evelyn remembered their brief interaction at the company yesterday. A vague sense of unease washed over her. Charlotte, however, had no tolerance for Amelia’s blunt intrusion. A sharp, mocking smile touched her lips. “You seem awfully flustered. Since when does hiring a designer require their pregnancy status? And last I checked, you have absolutely no right to pry into Evelyn’s private life.”

Amelia’s face tightened, but she didn’t engage Charlotte. Her gaze remained fixed on the shopping bag, as if seeking confirmation she hadn’t imagined it.

If Evelyn wasn’t expecting, why would she be shopping for maternity clothes?

There was only one explanation. Evelyn was pregnant. She was carrying the child of Aethelgard Industries’ founder.

A sickening knot tightened in Amelia’s stomach. No. This couldn’t be happening.

Just yesterday, she had confirmed that the founder of Aethelgard Industries was indifferent to Evelyn. She hadn't even had a chance to get close to him yet.

And now Evelyn was pregnant?

Unacceptable. That child could never be born.

As long as it existed, her dream of becoming the wife of Aethelgard Industries’ founder would be utterly shattered.

The future heir of Aethelgard Industries had to be her child.

She was Amelia Sterling—daughter of the prestigious Sterling family. The only woman in Crestwood truly worthy of that position.

Evelyn?

She was just a nobody. No background. No status.

How could she possibly be fit to carry such a legacy?

A slow, venomous thought took root in Amelia’s mind. Her gaze dropped to Evelyn’s still-flat stomach. For a fleeting moment, something dark and dangerous flickered in her eyes.