Chapter 922

"We will keep this secret," the lead physician vowed solemnly.

"By our Hippocratic oath," the other doctors echoed in unison.

Vivian Laurent finally allowed her tense nerves to relax slightly.

She pulled Fiona Grandelle into a corner and whispered urgently, "Fiona, the Queen's fall was no accident."

"If someone deliberately harmed her, saving the baby this time won't stop them from trying again."

"We should let them believe their plan succeeded. Announce the baby's death publicly to lower their guard."

Fiona's pupils contracted sharply, her fingers clutching her dress involuntarily.

"You're right!" Her voice trembled. "Only this way can my brother be safe."

Vivian's gaze burned with determination. "The Queen is being watched. We must stage a convincing performance to make everyone believe the child is gone."

"Remember, even Her Majesty must believe it. The more genuine her grief, the more our enemies will be deceived."

Fiona nodded firmly, tears glistening in her eyes.

As she studied Vivian's resolute profile, overwhelming admiration swelled in her heart.

When they returned to the ward, Queen Eleanor was struggling to rise from her bed.

"My baby?" The Queen's voice was hoarse. "Let me see him!"

Vivian lowered her lashes. After a weighted pause, she spoke softly. "Your Majesty... I'm so sorry."

Fiona turned away, shoulders shaking slightly.

"No!" The Queen's scream tore through the room. "He was kicking just moments ago!"

She grabbed Vivian's lab coat desperately. "You're lying to me, aren't you?"

Vivian swallowed hard. "I wish I were..."

The Queen went rigid, collapsing backward.

"Eleanor!" The King caught his wife, his own eyes red-rimmed.

Vivian moved swiftly to examine her. "It's just a stress-induced faint."

The King's trembling hand brushed his wife's pale cheek. "Perhaps... this was fate's design."

His voice broke. "From the beginning, this pregnancy was fraught with difficulties. Maybe this child was never meant to..."

The monarch couldn't continue, his body wracked with silent sobs.

Fiona bit her lip until it bled, nails digging crescent moons into her palms.

How she longed to reveal the truth to her parents—yet she forced herself to remain silent.

Vivian met her gaze with unshakable resolve.

This performance had to continue—until the final curtain fell.