Chapter 274

Vanessa's mention of the kidnapping from three years ago made Ethan's expression turn to stone.

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Vanessa, that kidnapping—wasn't it all your doing?"

Vanessa recoiled, her eyes widening in feigned shock. "How could you say that? Ethan, did Evelyn poison your mind? Of course she'd deny everything! Have you forgotten? You confronted Damian yourself—he admitted he slept with her!"

At the mention of Damian Cross, Ethan's jaw clenched.

Seizing his hesitation, Vanessa pressed closer, wrapping her arms around him. "Ethan, I know you still love me. After everything we've endured to be together, you can't just throw us away. You're only angry because I lied. I swear, I'll never deceive you again. Please... give us another chance."

Ethan exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Vanessa, just sign the papers. This is better for both of us."

Instead of complying, Vanessa snatched the divorce agreement and shredded it with trembling hands.

Ethan didn't react. His gaze remained icy. "Vanessa, this is the second time I've asked for a divorce. By now, you should have accepted the inevitable."

The air between them thickened with tension.

Vanessa's lips quivered. "You can't do this to me. Not after everything I've sacrificed for you."

Ethan's voice was merciless. "It's over."

Her breath hitched. "You'll regret this."

He turned away, his silhouette rigid. "I already do."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Vanessa standing amidst the torn remnants of their marriage.

Her fingers curled into fists.

If he thought this was the end, he was sorely mistaken.

"Ethan, please don't go..." My voice cracked as I clutched his sleeve. "Haven't I been a good wife? I've done everything right—respected your family, endured your mother's demands. What else do you want from me?"

Ethan's expression remained cold as he pried my fingers loose. "This isn't about what you've done. It's about what you are." He stepped back, his tone final. "I'll have the papers drawn up by the end of the week."

That night, the Whitmore Manor felt emptier than ever. The echo of the front door closing still rang in my ears as I curled into bed, tears soaking the silk sheets until dawn.

Before sunrise, Eleanor's maid rapped sharply on my door. "Madam says respectable women don't sleep past six during the holidays."

I dragged myself downstairs like a ghost, my reflection in the hallway mirrors pale and hollow-eyed.

Eleanor's lip curled when she saw me. "Vanessa, must you ruin Christmas with that miserable face? Smile, for heaven's sake."

Her ignorance was a small mercy—she didn't know about the divorce yet.

I forced my lips upward, the expression brittle as antique porcelain. "Of course, Mother Eleanor. Shall I check on the breakfast arrangements?"

The words tasted like ash, but I'd play my part until the final curtain fell.

The clock had nearly struck noon when Evelyn and Alexander finally made their appearance.

Both of them looked radiant, their energy restored after a peaceful night's rest.

Though unspoken, the group had their private judgments about Evelyn's tardiness. Yet no one dared voice a single complaint.

Vanessa, however, felt the sting of injustice even more sharply as she compared herself to Evelyn's effortless confidence.

After lunch, preparations were made to leave.

Before heading out, Alexander asked Evelyn to wait in the car while he made a quick stop at the restroom.

This was Vanessa's moment.

Her eyes locked onto Alexander with predatory focus, like a viper poised to strike.

The second he stepped out, she moved swiftly toward him. "Alexander."

He barely spared her a glance, responding with only a dismissive hum.

As he attempted to walk past her, Vanessa dropped her bombshell.

"Did you know Evelyn slept with another man?"

Alexander froze.

His expression darkened instantly.

A sly smile curled Vanessa's lips. She understood men's pride all too well—especially when it concerned their wives.

"You barely know Evelyn," she purred, tilting her head. "Otherwise, you'd realize exactly what she's capable of."

Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper.

"Three years ago, she crawled into bed with a criminal—just to destroy me."

The words hung in the air like poison.

Vanessa watched Alexander's expression carefully, savoring the flicker of doubt crossing his features. She had planted the seed. Now, she only needed to watch it grow.