Chapter 428
Nathaniel's voice turned razor-sharp when Robert made his suggestion. "Where's the nearest gurney?"
Simon immediately signaled a nurse to bring one. With careful movements, Nathaniel transferred Evelyn onto the rolling bed before turning back to the hospital director.
"She's pregnant," he explained, his voice tight. "Fainted after severe morning sickness."
In his initial panic, Nathaniel had completely forgotten about hospital protocol and the efficiency of medical equipment.
Now composed, he gave Diana a thorough rundown of Evelyn's symptoms.
Simon's entire demeanor changed upon hearing about the pregnancy. "Mr. Whitmore, rest assured we'll ensure both mother and babies receive the utmost care."
"See that you do." Nathaniel's gaze burned with intensity. "Any harm comes to them, this hospital will face consequences you can't imagine."
His eyes followed the gurney until it disappeared behind operating room doors.
Sweat had soaked through his dress shirt. He shrugged off his suit jacket and tugged at his constricting tie.
The blinking red light above the OR doors held Nathaniel captive. After several tense minutes, he turned to Robert.
"Is childbirth really that dangerous?" The question came out rougher than intended.
Robert's expression turned grave. "My cousin nearly died from a postpartum hemorrhage. The doctors fought for hours to save her."
He swallowed hard before continuing. "Her own mother-in-law refused to pay for the life-saving surgery at first. Said it wasn't worth the expense."
Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "That's monstrous."
"Exactly why pregnancy terrifies most women." Robert shook his head. "Never understood the risks until I witnessed it firsthand."
Silence fell between them as Nathaniel absorbed this new perspective.
For the first time, doubts crept in. Was bringing children into the world worth endangering Evelyn? If things went wrong, adoption remained an option...
The OR doors swung open, cutting through his thoughts. Diana scanned the hallway. "Family for Evelyn Carter?"
Nathaniel stepped forward. "That would be me."
"You're the husband, I presume?" Diana didn't wait for confirmation. "Your wife has been pushing herself too hard. The stress combined with poor nutrition caused her blood sugar to crash dangerously low."
She fixed Nathaniel with a stern look. "As the father of her twins, you need to step up. Handle more responsibilities so she can rest properly."
Nathaniel's fingers curled into fists at his sides.
Simon quickly intervened. "Dr. Whitmore means well, Mr. Whitmore. She's our top OB-GYN, just...blunt."
Through gritted teeth, Nathaniel asked, "Will she recover?"
"For now, yes." Diana adjusted her glasses. "But continued stress could lead to complications. She's also anemic and needs calcium supplements."
Guilt twisted in Nathaniel's gut as he recalled Evelyn working tirelessly to prepare the university event space these past weeks.
Moments later, nurses wheeled Evelyn out, still unconscious. Nathaniel followed them to a private suite, throwing Robert a glance.
"Make arrangements per Dr. Whitmore's instructions," he ordered, tension lining every word.
Robert placed Evelyn's tote bag on the nightstand before slipping out. Alone now, Nathaniel studied his sleeping wife.
Color had returned to her cheeks, though her lips remained pale.
A sudden ringing shattered the quiet. The sound came from Evelyn's bag.
Nathaniel reached inside without thinking. The screen displayed a single name: "Christopher."