That evening, Evie mentioned Vivian's return to Alexander.
"When did she come back?" Alexander asked.
"She said she came back last night to see Mom. But she didn't see her. Then she left again." Evie replied.
"Mom, I haven't calmed down yet!" Alexander answered, pouring himself a glass of water.
"I don't know what Vivian is thinking now. If she really wants Mom to forgive her, we could help her say a few words. After all, family harmony is better." Evie continued.
"You'd better stay out of this. Vivian has made up her mind this time." Alexander turned his head to look at Evie.
"What do you mean, made up her mind?" Evie asked, confused.
"She wants what she wants." Alexander answered calmly.
"Fifty-five percent of the shares?"
Alexander nodded.
"But our whole family doesn't even own fifty-five percent of the total equity."
"No. Not unless we buy back some of the individual stocks."
"How could Vivian make such a demand?" Evie was even more puzzled.
If it were her, she would rather go for something definite.
If it were uncertain, she would rather back off and find another way.
But everyone thought differently. Her way of thinking didn't mean it was Vivian's.
Still, Vivian's behavior seemed extreme. It felt like she was trying to tear the family apart. Evie couldn't help but worry.
"No one ever thinks they have too much money." Alexander replied calmly.
"I think too much money can sometimes be a problem." Evie muttered.
If they hadn't taken care of the family and only had a small piece of land, maybe there wouldn't be such conflicts over property now.
"That's why you're my wife." Alexander smiled and hugged Evie.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Evie replied, laughing and crying.
"Because you have noble character. You're fit to be the mother of my children. You were born to be the daughter-in-law of this family. That's why my mother and I liked you at first sight." Alexander said.
"Listen to you talking nonsense!" Evie laughed and scolded him. Then she asked, "Is there anything wrong with you?"
"It's fine. I just wanted to tell you something."
"It's okay. We don't have any money problems. Earning more money is fine. Just don't let money affect family harmony or personal safety." Evie responded emotionally.
"I know." Alexander said, burying his face in Evie's shoulder.
Evie felt ticklish. She pushed him and said with a smile, "Stop it. It tickles."
"Let me stay warm for a while."
"..."
Evie was speechless for a long time.
It wasn't winter now. What was the point of staying warm?
Besides, did anyone get warm like this?
A few days later, Evie met Audrey in the garden.
"Audrey—"
Audrey turned her head and saw Evie. She was stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered her composure. She walked over to greet Evie.
"Evie, out for a walk?"
"Yes. Mom said walking more is good. It'll help with the baby."
"Are you planning a natural birth?"
"Yes. I heard natural birth is better for the baby."
"If you can have a natural birth, that's best. If not, a C-section is fine too. Lots of women have them now."
"Yes. I'm exercising now. We'll decide based on the situation later. No rush."
"That's true. Your belly is getting bigger these days." Audrey nodded with a smile, then looked at Evie's swollen abdomen.
"It's a little bigger. But I seem to be growing slowly."
"As long as the prenatal checkups are normal, that's fine. Some women just carry small."
"The checkups are normal. But I'm still a little worried." Evie replied, a bit embarrassed.
They chatted for a while. Then Audrey answered a phone call. After hanging up, she told Evie she had to go back first.
Evie nodded.
Audrey walked a few steps, then turned back. She whispered to Evie, "Evie, you need to be careful during this time. Don't go out unless you have to."
After saying that, Audrey turned and left without waiting for Evie's response.
Evie stared at Audrey's retreating back, confused. She didn't have time to ask what was going on.
But clearly, Audrey was warning her about something.
Evie no longer felt like walking. She and Lily went back to Sterling Manor.
Back in the manor, Evie sat on the sofa on the second floor. She thought about what Audrey had said before she left.
Obviously, Audrey hadn't said it casually. And when she answered the phone, her expression had changed. Evie didn't know who had called.
Evie was still worried. She picked up her phone and called Alexander.
Alexander was in a meeting on the other end of the line. He didn't answer Evie's call.
After the meeting, he saw that he had missed her call. He called her back.
"Evie, you wanted me?" Alexander's voice came through the phone.
"I called you earlier. You were probably busy and didn't answer."
"I was in a meeting. It just ended. What's wrong?"
"Nothing special. I just wanted to tell you something. I went for a walk in the garden this morning and met Audrey. Later, she told me to be careful and not to go out unless I had to. I thought it was very strange. Is something wrong?" Evie asked uneasily.
"What did Audrey tell you?" Alexander asked, frowning.
"At first, nothing special. We just chatted. Then she answered a phone call and said she had to go back. Then she said that to me." Evie answered truthfully.
"I see. Don't go out as much as possible during this time. If anything happens, tell me in advance. I'll arrange it."
"Okay. Have you heard anything from Vivian?"
"Not yet."
"Then be careful yourself." Evie said, still worried.
"I know. How is the baby today?"
"Very good. Don't worry. Focus on your work." Evie said with a smile.
They talked for a few more minutes, then hung up.
If Alexander hadn't heard anything from Vivian, did that mean she wasn't making a move?
Or was Vivian's move more hidden, so hidden that even Alexander hadn't found it?
Evie couldn't help but sigh. She decided not to think about it anymore. If she kept thinking, she would get a headache and still have no answers.
But Audrey's words were absolutely right. She had to be careful about everything.
Just as Evie was thinking about staying home and being careful, she received a call from Emily. Emily asked if she was free and invited her to dinner.
Evie had to make an excuse. She said she wasn't feeling well and would have dinner with her another time.