Chapter 690

Ethan Roscente crouched down to meet Theo Evans at eye level. "Be good, Theo. Your mother has important matters to attend to recently."

Theo tilted his head. "But Mom's always at home. What could she be doing?"

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed. "She's... preparing for a new job."

"But Mom's face..." Theo touched his own cheek, his voice trailing off.

Ethan remained silent for a moment. "Theo, the adult world is complicated."

"I know." Theo lowered his head. "Mom did bad things. She hurt Aunt Vivian."

Suddenly he looked up, eyes shining. "But I still want to tell her I'm doing well now. Aunt Vivian treats me really nice."

Ethan's heart softened.

This child was too understanding—painfully so.

If only his elder brother were still here...

"Alright." Ethan ruffled Theo's hair. "Uncle will arrange for you to see her."

Theo cheered and threw himself into Ethan's arms.

Ethan's eyes darkened.

He would have someone take Theo to see her, but he himself would never lay eyes on that woman again.

......

Deep within the royal palace.

As Vivian Laurent stepped into the bedchamber, Queen Eleanor rose excitedly.

"Dr. Laurent!"

"Just call me Vivian." Vivian hurried forward to steady her.

The queen's eyes reddened. "You're finally here. First with Fiona's troubles, and now..."

"Fiona and I are friends." Vivian's gaze fell on the queen's swollen abdomen. "Please don't stand on ceremony."

The loose gown couldn't conceal her seven-month pregnancy.

"Could you examine me now?" The queen asked urgently. "I know you just got off the plane—"

Vivian interrupted gently. "I rested during the flight. Shall we go to the hospital?"

The queen nodded in relief.

In the hospital examination room, the ultrasound screen displayed fetal images.

Vivian studied the monitor, her frown deepening.

The situation was more complicated than she'd anticipated.