Chapter 299

Alexander had spent a decade training at the FBI academy, and when his temper ignited, it was like staring into the eye of a storm. Even the slightest crease between his brows radiated enough intensity to make grown men flinch. Eleanor, usually unshakable, found herself momentarily frozen under that glare.

Eleanor, of course, assumed his fury stemmed from Evelyn’s tarnished reputation.

A smug smirk curled her lips as she tossed the blame. "Vanessa was the one who said it."

Alexander’s laugh was ice-cold. "Gossip is a poison best left to petty minds, Eleanor."

His voice dropped, sharp as a blade. "Spreading rumors is beneath a woman of your standing. Or have you decided to trade dignity for cheap entertainment?"

Before she could retort, Simon wheeled him away, leaving Eleanor standing rigid in the hallway.

Only when their figures vanished around the corner did the insult fully register.

Her nails dug into her palms. Did he just compare me to a common busybody?

Fury burned through her veins, her teeth clenched so tight her jaw ached.

Meanwhile, inside the hospital room, Evelyn’s gaze remained locked on Vanessa.

"Vanessa, you know whether our kidnapping was accidental or if you orchestrated it."

Vanessa blinked innocently. "What are you implying? If I had planned this, why would I let them take me too? And I'm carrying a child—why would I endanger myself and my baby?"

Evelyn's sharp gaze dropped to Vanessa's abdomen.

Pregnant?

Now it made sense why Eleanor had been so insistent on Vanessa staying in bed before their departure. It wasn’t just about Vanessa—it was about protecting the Caldwell heir.

Noticing Evelyn's stare, Vanessa smirked. "Evelyn, we both married into powerful families. I'm already expecting, while you still haven't managed to conceive. Is there... a problem?"

Her tone oozed such smug satisfaction that even Ethan shifted uncomfortably beside her.

Since when did Vanessa become this petty?

Evelyn arched a brow. "Vanessa, are you seriously treating pregnancy like some kind of competition? I don’t need a child to secure my husband’s loyalty—unlike you."

Vanessa’s triumphant expression shattered instantly.

Vanessa's mind reeled.

I thought only Ethan and I knew about the divorce papers. But from Evelyn's tone... she's been aware this whole time?

Her nails dug into her palms as she shot Ethan a venomous glare.

They must have met in secret. How dare he?

The humiliation burned through her.

Is he already moving on before the ink is even dry on our divorce?

Just then, Simon wheeled Alexander back into the room.

Alexander's sharp voice cut through the tension. "Since when does a woman's worth depend on bearing children?"

Evelyn seized the opportunity, flashing a saccharine smile. "Exactly. My husband is more than capable. When we're ready for a family, it'll happen naturally."

Ethan's jaw clenched.

His gaze involuntarily dropped to Alexander's lap, questions spiraling.

Is Evelyn truly satisfied with him? How often do they—

What if they've already—

In different—

The unspoken thoughts choked him.

Vanessa noticed his distraction, her lips curling into a bitter smirk.

Pathetic.

The air thickened with unspoken accusations.

Evelyn casually adjusted Alexander's blanket, her fingers lingering just a second too long on his thigh.

A silent challenge.

A declaration.

Mine.

Ethan looked away first.

Vanessa exhaled sharply through her nose.

This isn't over.

Not by a long shot.