Chapter 377

Evelyn's face twisted in agony as she desperately tried to clamp her mouth shut, but her jaw refused to obey. Saliva spilled uncontrollably from her lips in an undignified stream.

"Richard..." Her pleading eyes locked onto Richard with pathetic desperation.

Vanessa watched with dark amusement as the viscous trail of drool splattered onto the polished floor. Having trained in martial arts, she knew precisely how to manipulate pressure points for maximum effect. Who knew those skills would prove so useful in high society?

"Someone fetch a doctor for your mistress," Vanessa sneered, flicking her gaze toward Richard with undisguised contempt. "Unless you enjoy watching her decorate the floor like a leaky faucet."

Richard's face purpled with rage. This vulgar display shattered every expectation of aristocratic decorum. His elegant wife had transformed into some back-alley brawler before his eyes.

His palm itched to strike her insolent face, but before he could act, Margaret came charging like a vengeful hurricane.

"Richard Hayes, you spineless worm! How dare you lay hands on my daughter!"

Snatching a mop from a gaping janitor, Margaret swung the sodden head at Richard's torso with terrifying precision. He barely dodged the first strike, but Margaret pursued him relentlessly across the marble foyer, her fury giving her unnatural speed. The wooden handle whistled through the air as she aimed for his kneecaps with terrifying accuracy.

Vanessa watched the chaotic scene unfold before her with a resigned sigh.

She considered interrupting Margaret, but seeing how fiercely her mother was berating Richard while gripping his collar, Vanessa thought better of disturbing them.

The printer hummed softly as it produced her test results. She collected the papers and approached the physician.

The doctor scanned the report quickly before smiling. "Ms. Carter, wonderful news. You're expecting."

Vanessa froze, the words echoing in her ears. Pregnant.

"Approximately three weeks along. Get plenty of rest. If nausea becomes severe, try ginger tea or probiotic drinks."

She nodded absently, fingers trembling around the crisp paper.

Her first instinct was to call Alexander.

But remembering their recent argument and his stubborn silence, she doubted he'd answer. The revelation could wait until his return.

Except it couldn't.

The overwhelming joy propelled her toward the airport ticket counter. One way to Cresthaven. Now.

Her heels clicked urgently across the linoleum, each step carrying her closer to the man whose child grew inside her. She'd surprise him at Horizon Enterprises, consequences be damned.

The cab ride passed in a blur of nervous anticipation. Her palm rested unconsciously over her abdomen as skyscrapers loomed ahead.

Soon, Alexander would know.

Soon, everything would change.

Her fingers flew across the phone screen, securing the first flight out at dawn.

The moment Evelyn stepped into the hospital corridor, a familiar voice froze her in her tracks.

"Evelyn."

Ethan Caldwell stood there, his usually composed gaze now wild and bloodshot. Before she could react, he seized her wrist, yanking her into the deserted stairwell. The emergency door slammed shut behind them with finality.

He caged her against the concrete wall, his palms slamming beside her head. His chest rose and fell with ragged breaths that smelled of whiskey and desperation.

Then he moved.

Without warning, Ethan crushed his mouth against hers in a kiss that tasted like possession and punishment.

Evelyn twisted away, but he caught her chin, forcing her to meet his burning gaze. His other arm banded around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

He'd wanted this since last night.

Since hearing those breathy moans through Alexander's bedroom door. The sounds Evelyn had never made for him in seven years of waiting. Seven years of playing the gentleman while Alexander Whitmore took what Ethan had been too cautious to claim.

The irony choked him.

All those nights he'd spent resisting temptation, only for his rival to claim his prize in a single evening. The thought drove him madder than the bourbon still coursing through his veins.

His arms wrapped around her with desperate intensity, his eyes burning with raw emotion.

"Evelyn, I know he forced you into this. Walk away from him."

Confusion flickered across Evelyn's face.

"Let's disappear together—somewhere no one knows us." His voice cracked. "Just you and me, far from Alexander, Vanessa, and the Whitmore legacy. I don't care about power or money anymore... only you."

Ethan's tears soaked into the fabric of her dress, warm and trembling.