Chapter 365

Vanessa shook her head, tears streaming silently down her cheeks.

Eleanor's brow furrowed. Vanessa's words resonated deeply within her.

She knew her son better than anyone. Once Ethan Caldwell set his mind to something, nothing could change it. Her thoughts spiraled. He’s already left his position at Titan Capital Group. If he provokes Alexander by interfering with Evelyn’s affairs… he might not even survive in Cresthaven.

The realization sent a cold shiver down her spine.

One man in her family had already been forced out by Alexander. She couldn’t bear to lose her son too.

In her eyes, Vanessa was the only thing standing between Ethan and Evelyn.

And then there was the child Vanessa carried—Eleanor couldn’t bring herself to discard it.

"Ethan, this baby must stay," she said firmly. "Just yesterday, I spoke to your father. He told me he was attacked overseas. He’s barely holding on."

Her voice softened, pleading. "You just need to endure a little longer. Once the baby is born, we’ll find a way to bring him home."

Eleanor feared Ethan might lash out at Vanessa again. If that happened, she wasn’t sure she could protect her.

Ethan had never experienced such utter frustration before.

His fever burned through him, leaving his limbs weak and trembling. A pounding headache made his vision swim dangerously, threatening to send him crashing to the floor at any second.

His clothes were still damp, clinging uncomfortably to his skin.

Once Eleanor had ushered Vanessa out and shut the door, Ethan had no energy left to argue.

He would rest first and deal with Vanessa later—when he wasn’t fighting just to stay upright.

Just as he finished changing into dry clothes, a sudden realization struck him. Gritting his teeth against the exhaustion, he forced himself to the window and looked down.

Evelyn had leapt from the window, bracing for impact.

But instead of hitting the ground, she landed safely in someone’s arms.

Alexander had caught her, and the force sent them both tumbling onto the grass.

Evelyn’s face pressed flush against Alexander’s, and in her overwhelming relief, she impulsively kissed him—hard.

So hard that her teeth ached from the impact.

Wincing, she pulled back, clutching her mouth.

And when she looked up, she found herself trapped in Alexander’s piercing, stormy gaze.

Eleanor's Choice

Alexander’s arm remained locked around her waist as he murmured, "Mrs. Whitmore, care to explain why you just jumped out of Ethan’s window?"

"What exactly were the two of you doing in there? Hmm?"

Though his tone was deceptively calm, Evelyn could hear the dangerous edge beneath it.

She realized how this must look—her, jumping out of a window in the dead of night. It screamed of guilt, of someone caught in the act and fleeing.

Her words stumbled. "It’s… complicated."

Alexander’s grip tightened slightly. "Then simplify it."

"Vanessa pushed Ethan into the water. I pulled him out, took him to his room, but then Vanessa showed up with a crowd."

Evelyn let out a disbelieving laugh at how absurd it sounded.

Alexander arched a brow, his expression clearly saying, "You expect me to believe that?"

Frustrated, Evelyn dragged a hand through her hair.

"Alexander, I know it sounds insane, but you have to trust me. You know how I feel about you, don’t you?"

Amusement flickered in his eyes. "No, I don’t. Why don’t you show me?"

Evelyn bit her lip—then suddenly cupped Alexander’s face in her hands.

Her fingers trembled as they brushed against Alexander's cheek. Without warning, Evelyn closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a desperate kiss.

Alexander went completely still. The sudden contact sent shockwaves through his body, leaving him breathless and disoriented.

When he didn't react, Evelyn misinterpreted his silence. Her grip tightened around his shoulders, pressing him deeper into the soft grass. She kissed him again with renewed urgency - once, twice, three times - each kiss more insistent than the last.

Beneath her, Alexander's heartbeat accelerated until it threatened to burst from his chest. The scent of her perfume mixed with the earthy aroma of crushed grass, creating an intoxicating blend that made his head spin.