Chapter 28

The air crackled with tension as Alexander's voice cut through the room like a blade.

"Didn't Evelyn already explain the prison incident? It was Vanessa who set her up, who manipulated everything to get her locked away."

His words were sharp, each one landing with precision.

"You're the one who betrayed Evelyn, and now you're trying to twist the truth? To make her the villain?"

Alexander's glare was icy, his posture rigid with barely contained fury.

"Calling off the engagement? Fine. I don’t care. But don’t you dare drag women into this mess just to save your own skin."

His voice dropped lower, laced with disgust.

"What exactly did Evelyn do wrong? You were the one who changed. She was the one who suffered. And now you want to use your affair to cover your tracks? To blame her for your mistakes?"

A bitter laugh escaped him.

"Ethan, real men don’t act like cowards. What you’re doing is pathetic. You’re not just humiliating yourself—you’re dragging the Caldwell name through the mud."

Ethan’s face paled, then flushed with anger. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles white.

"Enough!" he snapped, his voice shaking.

"Fine. I’ll take full responsibility. I’ll tell the press it was just a falling out between Evelyn and me."

He turned sharply, already striding toward the door.

"I’m heading to the press conference with Vanessa."

Alexander didn’t move, didn’t stop him.

But his expression darkened, his mind already racing with the consequences of Ethan’s next move.

And what it would mean for Evelyn.

The situation was spiraling out of control.

Ethan Caldwell wanted to settle everything today—the longer this dragged on, the worse it would get.

Alexander Whitmore responded with icy detachment. "Do as you please. But has your mother been informed?"

At the mention of Eleanor, Ethan's face tightened.

Eleanor had never approved of Vanessa Hart, dismissing her as a social climber unworthy of the Caldwell name.

Originally, Ethan had planned to hold a press conference immediately. Once the news broke, Eleanor would have no choice but to accept it, whether she liked Vanessa or not.

Ethan remained silent, but Alexander seemed to read his thoughts.

With a dismissive wave, he signaled for them to leave.

As they stepped out, Vanessa felt a strange mix of relief and unease.

"Ethan, are you sure we shouldn't tell your mother first?" she asked hesitantly. "And what about Evelyn? What if she refuses to let you go?"

That was Vanessa's greatest fear.

Acting without Eleanor's approval meant she was already making an enemy of the family before even officially becoming part of it.

Worse, Evelyn Carter wasn't the type to surrender quietly.

Vanessa knew that better than anyone.

Then there was Evelyn. She couldn't shake the thought that Ethan seemed to favor her now, but deep down, she wondered—had his feelings for Evelyn truly vanished during their seven years together?

A cold dread settled in Vanessa's chest. What if Evelyn regretted everything and begged Ethan to take her back?

Ethan, however, seemed entirely unbothered. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to Vanessa's forehead.

"Why waste time worrying?" His voice was firm. "I’ve already chosen you. She could never compare."

He smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "And as for my mother? It’s my marriage, not hers."

Before they could walk further, Simon Graves called out from behind them.

"Ms. Hart, a moment, please."

Vanessa turned, brows furrowing. "Mr. Graves? Does Mr. Whitmore need something else?"

Simon’s gaze was heavy with unspoken meaning. "Mr. Whitmore admires your decisiveness. He gave you three days, yet you overturned the entire situation in one."

A pause. Then, his tone sharpened. "However, your methods were… ruthless. Titan Capital’s stocks plummeted because of your move. He’ll let it slide this time, but once you’re part of the Whitmore family, there are certain rules you’ll need to follow."

Vanessa’s expression hardened. The air around her turned icy.

Vanessa held her breath.

She watched Simon carefully, wondering if he was deliberately revealing to Ethan that she had planned everything from last night.

Her fingers tightened around her purse strap as she guiltily glanced at Ethan.

Ethan frowned, his voice sharp. "What three days?"

Simon feigned surprise, hesitating dramatically. "Oh? I must have misspoken. Mr. Whitmore actually asked me to discuss this privately with Ms. Hart." He gave Vanessa an apologetic smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "This seems to be a matter between you and Mr. Caldwell. You should explain it to him yourself."

Without another word, Simon turned and walked away, leaving silence in his wake.

The air between them grew heavy.

Ethan’s expression darkened as realization dawned.

"So," he said slowly, his voice dangerously calm, "the reporters at Titan Capital this morning—you arranged them, didn’t you? This was all your doing?"

Vanessa’s pulse raced.

She had hoped to control the situation, but now it was slipping through her fingers.

Ethan’s gaze bore into her, demanding answers.

She swallowed hard.

The game had just become much more dangerous.