Chapter 129

Outside the door, Ethan Caldwell gripped Evelyn Carter's sleeve, his expression tense and helpless under the weight of the onlookers' stares.

Lowering his voice to a whisper meant only for her ears, he pleaded, "Let's discuss this later. Can I have Nathan take you home first?"

His tone was uncharacteristically conciliatory—a stark contrast to his usual arrogance. Ethan wasn't the type to negotiate, yet here he was, swallowing his pride, hoping she would relent.

But Evelyn didn’t budge.

She tilted her head slightly, feigning confusion. "You're sending me back? But I'm Alexander's wife. Shouldn't I leave with him?"

The words struck like lightning.

Ethan froze.

So did everyone else.

Evelyn’s relentless pursuit of Alexander Whitmore had already made waves—first with that scandalous public kiss, then her bold confession in front of half of Cresthaven’s elite.

The Whitmore family couldn’t ignore it.

And Sophia Ellis, ever the gossip, had wasted no time spreading the news. Over afternoon tea with the city’s wealthiest socialites, she’d painted every detail in vivid color.

Now, the entire room was watching.

Evelyn stood her ground, her gaze steady.

She wasn’t backing down.

Not this time.

The news spread like wildfire.

Within five minutes of Evelyn stepping through the door, even the family dog seemed to know.

When Evelyn boldly declared herself as Alexander Whitmore's wife, the room erupted in disbelief.

She must have lost her mind, they whispered among themselves.

The humiliation from yesterday's failed wedding must have driven her to this desperate act.

Vanessa Hart arrived at Whitmore Manor unusually early.

Her last encounter with Eleanor at the hospital had been disastrous—publicly slapped and dismissed like a common servant. The memory still burned.

Vanessa would never have come alone under normal circumstances.

If Eleanor dared strike her in front of Ethan, what would stop her when he wasn't around?

But Ethan had urgent business today.

And failure to appear would bring consequences far worse than a bruised ego.

The Whitmores weren't a family one simply ignored.

Though married to Ethan, tradition demanded more.

According to Whitmore family customs, formal recognition required a ceremonial visit—complete with gifts and blessings from the elders.

Only then would she truly be considered one of them.

So Vanessa arrived at dawn, determined to serve the family matriarch with perfect obedience.

If she played her cards right, perhaps they'd go easier on her during the official acceptance later.

The thought made her fingers tremble as she poured tea.

One misstep, and everything could unravel.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's shocking declaration still hung in the air, unanswered.

The clock ticked louder with each passing second.

Vanessa had spent a fortune on the lavish gifts—nearly fifty million.

She presented them to the elders with a practiced smile, but their reception was icy. Eleanor, in particular, barely spared her a glance.

From the moment Vanessa stepped into Whitmore Manor, Eleanor had treated her like hired help, barking orders without so much as a greeting.

Then Evelyn arrived—a perfect target for Vanessa’s pent-up frustration.

Vanessa strode forward, her voice dripping with disdain. "Evelyn, enough with your delusions! This is Whitmore Manor. I might tolerate your insolence elsewhere, but do you really think Alexander would waste his time on you? He has no reason to chauffeur an outsider."

Evelyn blinked, her expression serene. "I'm his wife. That makes me family, not an outsider."

The contrast between them was striking.

Evelyn, radiant in her pale gold gown, commanded every gaze in the room. Vanessa’s pink dress, usually flattering, now looked garish beside her—like a cheap imitation next to royalty.

Vanessa seethed. Today was supposed to be her moment.

But Evelyn had stolen it without even trying.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Evelyn.

Vanessa's face twisted in disbelief. "What nonsense are you spouting, Evelyn? Have you lost your mind? Alexander would never marry you!"

Evelyn sighed, her expression calm but resolute. "Yet here we are. I am his wife."

Ethan moved forward abruptly, reaching for Evelyn's wrist. "Enough of this. I'm taking you home."

Vanessa's breath hitched.

Today was supposed to be her formal introduction to the Whitmore family elders.

But now Ethan was leaving—with her.

What did that make her?

What was she to him?

The air thickened with tension as unspoken questions burned in Vanessa's eyes.