The butler explained to Jason the circumstances surrounding the elder Mr. Stark's hospitalization. Perhaps it was too undignified, as the butler deliberately lowered his voice, but Evelyn heard every word clearly. Jason didn’t comment. All Evelyn could do was give a cold laugh.

Wealthy people are often obsessed with health, and the elder Mr. Stark was no exception. Supplements seemed to flow into the old mansion like a wholesale supply. To take care of his health, he had held the title of the chief executive at Stark’s Group for the past few years, stepping back from the demanding work he used to handle. Now at just sixty-six, he was in such poor condition that even walking was a struggle. Even if the Stark family didn't say it outright, Evelyn could guess that the elder Mr. Stark’s infatuation with beauty had drained him long ago. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and it seemed Jason had inherited his fair share of flaws.

Cedric, just two years younger than Jason, was also a notorious playboy in Riverton, constantly entangled in romantic escapades. It seemed like there wasn’t a decent man in the Stark family!

The butler continued, mentioning that the second son of the Stark family, currently in Norway, was already on his way back to the country. The group exchanged glances, sitting in silence for over half an hour with no news from the ICU. As noon approached, Cedric left, followed by the elder Mr. Stark’s third son and his wife.

Evelyn shifted in her seat, feeling discomfort. She turned to Jason with concern, “The nurse said family members aren’t allowed to visit until father is out of ICU. There are caregivers here twenty-four hours a day; why don’t we go home and wait for news?”

“Why don’t you head back first? I’ll stay a little longer,” Jason replied, not making it difficult for her and granting her an easy exit. She feared he might change his mind, so she rushed into the elevator.

Just as she reached the parking lot, she unexpectedly encountered the last person she wanted to see—Melora Houghton. Jason’s sister-in-law and the wife of the third Stark son, Marcus.

In her late thirties, Melora had alluring features and had been a model in her youth, gaining a bit of fame in Riverton. She married Marcus during her career peak after he pursued her for years. After having two daughters, she became a full-time homemaker, enjoying her life playing mahjong, getting beauty treatments, and shopping for designer goods. The only thing bothering her was that she never had a son. After her second daughter, she suffered from amniotic fluid embolism and had to undergo a hysterectomy.

Marcus used to brush it off, but over the years, his desire for a son grew stronger, leading him to secretly keep a mistress. Melora, sharp-eyed and cunning, always caught on to Marcus's affairs and dealt with the women ruthlessly. She would cut their hair, strip them of their clothes, and take nude photos and videos, often sending them running before they even had a chance to get pregnant. Once, a woman who refused to be humiliated by Melora reported her to the police. That same day, her father, who lived thousands of miles away, was hit by a truck without a license plate, breaking both his legs.

Marcus was bold in his heart but timid in action, afraid to confront Melora directly and secretly plotting to have a son. Melora, proud and arrogant, had always looked down on Jason, let alone Evelyn.

“Melora.” Evelyn knew she couldn’t avoid her and had no choice but to greet her.

“I heard the sister-in-law is pregnant. Come here, let me take a look,” Melora said, grabbing one of Evelyn’s arms while her other hand already rested on her stomach. “How many months along are you? I can’t feel anything! Don’t tell me Ms. White is just spreading rumors to help Jason secure his inheritance.”

Evelyn frowned, trying to shake Melora’s hand off, but Melora clung on like a stubborn adhesive.

“Eve, if you really have a son, who knows, our father might be so pleased that he’ll hand over the executive power of Stark’s Group to Jason,” Melora added, her smile sharp with intent.

Evelyn stood at 165 centimeters, and if it came down to a confrontation with Melora, she knew her height wouldn’t give her any advantage, so she stopped struggling and let her hand be held.

“Melora, we’re family, so of course, you’ll want to show your concern for me. If someone didn’t know better, they might think you’re bullying me,” Evelyn said, attempting to keep the atmosphere light.

Melora seemed to realize her approach was off, letting go of Evelyn’s arm and smiling as she adjusted her clothes. “Ever since I heard you were pregnant, I’ve been so excited I can’t sleep. I even tried to get Jason to call you for dinner at our place, but he keeps saying he’s too busy.”

“Once things settle down, we’d love to have a proper get-together,” Evelyn replied with a smile, playing along. Over the past three years, she had learned to navigate conversations, saying the right things to the right people.

“Almost forgot! I have something important to tell you.” Melora leaned in closer, her tone conspiratorial. “Jason’s old flame, Selene, is back in town.”

“...”

Evelyn felt a bit rattled.

“Harley Leighton is seriously ill and is preparing to hand over all his businesses to his only daughter, Selene. You know, Jason almost married Selene back in the day, so their feelings must still run deep. Just keep an eye out for that,” Melora continued, adding her own spin to the story.

“To be honest, I think all of Jason’s women are just distractions; the only one he truly loves is Selene.”

“I got it.” Evelyn felt a pang in her chest. One Cecilia was already enough of a headache; now, here came another Selene!

“You see? If we don’t keep in touch as a family, we’ll end up strangers,” Melora said, her hand once again resting on Evelyn’s stomach, chuckling, “I’ll never have a son in this lifetime, so I hope you can give the Stark family a pair of handsome boys this time.”

“I won’t let you down.” Jason’s voice suddenly came from behind them.

Evelyn didn’t have time to process what was happening before Jason yanked Melora’s hand away from her stomach.

“Jason really is protective of his wife,” Melora remarked, her displeasure flashing momentarily. “Your brother Marcus could learn a thing or two from you. No matter how many women he has on the side, he should always cherish the one at home.”

Her words struck Jason while simultaneously prodding at Evelyn.

Fortunately, Evelyn didn’t take the bait and noticed Marcus pulling into the parking lot. She quickly urged Melora to leave, “Melora, you should go. Marcus is getting impatient.”

“Eve, I have to warn you: during pregnancy, men are most likely to cheat. Keep an eye on Jason!” Melora said as she walked away with a laugh.

Evelyn found it amusing and muttered to Melora’s retreating figure, “Even without being pregnant, they still cheat—”

“Who are you talking about?” Jason asked, sounding slightly offended as he pulled her closer.

She stared intently at the man so near to her. “If I said who, it’d be obvious.”

Jason, in a teasing mood, leaned in and playfully nipped her earlobe. “If Mrs. Stark doesn’t name names, how would the parties involved know?”

“Even if I told you, it would make no difference; it’s better to stay quiet.” She sighed, “I’m hungry; let’s go.”

As Jason started the car, he asked, “What did Melora say to you?”

“Nothing much.” A shimmer of tears sparkled in her eyes as she hesitated to speak. Finally, she said slowly, “Melora mentioned that Selene is coming back.”

“How does Selene returning affect you?” Jason countered.

“I don’t know Miss Leighton, so her return has nothing to do with me,” she said, her expression slightly annoyed. “I have no idea why Melora felt the need to tell me that.”

“She said what she wanted; just let it go in one ear and out the other,” Jason suggested vaguely.

Evelyn frowned, clearly dissatisfied. “Does Selene’s return have anything to do with you?”