Evelyn's concern made Charlotte smile.

"You don't need to worry about me. I'll manage."

She changed the subject.

"I haven't asked about you. How are things?"

As she spoke, she ladled soup into her bowl.

She missed the fleeting shadow of sorrow that crossed Charlotte's face.

"What could be wrong? I'm perfectly fine." Charlotte kept her tone airy, a smile gracing her lips.

She refused to burden Evelyn with her problems.

There were two reasons.

First, Evelyn was pregnant.

Sharing her troubles would only make Evelyn anxious and exhaust her.

Thinking of the second reason, a hint of pain flashed in Charlotte's eyes.

If everything collapsed, Evelyn would be spared the fallout.

Evelyn's voice was soft. "Don't push yourself too hard. Work is important, but your health matters more."

Charlotte gave a light laugh. "If I don't keep things running, who will?"

A warm feeling spread through Evelyn's chest.

She reached across the table and took Charlotte's hand, her tone earnest. "You don't have to carry every burden alone. Let me be there for you too."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her gaze playfully dropping to Evelyn's stomach. "We can discuss that after the baby is born."

She then pushed a plate toward Evelyn. "Eat. You said you were starving, but you've barely touched your food."

Evelyn let out a soft sigh, smiling. "I was hungry earlier, but now my appetite seems to have vanished."

Before Charlotte could reply, Evelyn's phone vibrated.

She glanced at the screen, and an immediate, radiant smile lit up her face.

Charlotte didn't need to ask. "Let me guess—Alexander?"

Evelyn's eyes sparkled. "Yes."

Suddenly remembering something, she added quickly, "Oh! He mustn't know I went to the hospital today. This stays between us."

After reminding herself and Charlotte, she finally answered the call.

"Evelyn, where are you?"

The moment she heard Alexander's voice, a strange unease settled in her chest.

"I'm having lunch with Charlotte. Why?" she replied softly.

Alexander chuckled. "You didn't answer right away—I thought you were napping."

Evelyn pursed her lips. "Do you think I sleep that much? It's past noon. How could I still be in bed?"

Then, she teased, "What's with the sudden call? Didn't we talk last night?"

There was a brief pause before Alexander's deep, affectionate voice came through. "I just miss you, sweetheart."

Heat rushed up Evelyn's neck.

Within seconds, her cheeks were flushed.

Across the table, Charlotte remained silent, but her amused expression said everything—she was thoroughly enjoying Evelyn's flustered state.

Trying to maintain her composure, Evelyn playfully retorted, "You're impossible. Aren't you supposed to be focused on your business trip? Why aren't you working?"