Chapter 294
Vanessa rested in the hospital bed, the IV drip slowly feeding into her veins.
She stole a nervous glance at Ethan's expression before mustering the courage to ask, "Ethan... I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby. Aren't you happy?"
Ethan's voice was ice. "Just focus on recovering."
When he turned to leave, panic surged through her.
Her fingers tightened around his wrist. "Ethan, you're not really leaving me, are you? I'm carrying your child. Can't you stay just a little longer? After everything—the kidnapping, the terror—don't you care at all?"
Silence.
He loosened his tie with one hand and pulled free from her grip.
His expression remained unreadable as he retrieved a cigarette from his pocket, his gaze distant. "I'm stepping out for a smoke. I'll be back. I'm not going anywhere tonight."
Given the circumstances, he had no choice but to stay.
Vanessa exhaled in quiet relief as Ethan walked away.
Her hand drifted to her stomach, fingers pressing lightly against the fabric of her hospital gown.
Vanessa smirked to herself.
Having a baby really does change everything.
Even Ethan isn't exempt from its power.
She made a silent vow—she would find a way to give Ethan more heirs, solidifying her position as his wife.
In the dimly lit stairwell, Ethan took a long drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing faintly in the shadows.
His mind raced.
How did this even happen?
That one time—under those circumstances—and now she’s pregnant?
Just when I’m about to file for divorce, Vanessa drops this bombshell.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
He exhaled sharply, the smoke curling into the air before dissipating.
One cigarette wasn’t enough.
He lit another.
And another.
Ethan had no intention of continuing this farce with Vanessa.
This kid couldn’t have come at a worse time.
His thoughts flickered to Evelyn.
After everything that happened tonight… is she okay?
The weight of his choices pressed down on him, heavier than the nicotine in his lungs.
"Why didn't she come to the hospital?"
The doctor had said Vanessa's condition was critical, but with enough rest, there was still hope for the baby.
Ethan Caldwell crushed another cigarette under his heel, the ashtray already overflowing. His fingers trembled slightly as he dialed Nathan Reeves.
"Did you track down who orchestrated the kidnapping? Who's pulling the strings?"
"Victor Kane confessed. He was paid to abduct Evelyn Carter. Vanessa Hart was just collateral damage—he didn’t even know who she was when he took her."
Nathan hesitated before adding, "As for the second attempt, the suspect vanished. All we know is Alexander Whitmore was the real target. Evelyn got caught in the middle."
Ethan’s grip tightened around his phone.
Alexander had enemies. Too many, from his days at the academy. Someone was clearly going after him through the people he loved.
"Who tipped Victor off about the payout for kidnapping Evelyn?"
"Damian Cross," Nathan answered.
The name sent a sharp spike of fury through Ethan’s veins.
Three years had passed since Damian confessed to his affair with Evelyn.
"Track down Damian. I need to know what he's been doing!"
Ethan remained by Vanessa's side throughout the night at the hospital—an unusual gesture from him.
When Vanessa stirred awake and spotted Ethan slumped on the couch, a mix of surprise and quiet delight flickered through her.
The doctor entered just then for morning rounds.
After a careful examination, the physician reassured her, "No further bleeding occurred overnight, which means we've moved past the critical phase."
"Still, caution is necessary. You're exhibiting symptoms of a threatened miscarriage. Strict bed rest for at least two more weeks is mandatory to protect the baby."
The words settled heavily in the room.
Vanessa's fingers curled into the sheets.
Ethan's gaze darkened, his jaw tightening imperceptibly.
Outside the window, dawn crept over Cresthaven, painting the sky in muted gold.
Somewhere in the city, Damian Cross was hiding.
And Alexander Whitmore would make sure he was found.