Chapter 434

Alexander's expression turned stormy, his jaw tightening with visible resistance.

He saw right through their tactics—everyone was playing for time.

But Harold was adamant. "This decision is final!"

In the corner, Evelyn subtly gripped Alexander's sleeve, a silent plea for restraint. Pushing too hard now could backfire spectacularly.

Reluctantly, Alexander yielded.

He knew the truth—no matter how much they delayed, Ethan would eventually be shipped overseas. Any reckless move on his part would only speed up the process.

His gaze locked onto Ethan and his parents, voice dripping with warning.

"Vincent. Eleanor." His tone was ice. "You'd better keep your son on a tight leash. One more misstep, and exile will be the least of his worries. After all, you know exactly what I've spent the last ten years perfecting."

The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air.

At the academy, Alexander had trained relentlessly. Hunting criminals wasn’t just his job—it was second nature.

Most of the men he’d pursued now sat behind bars. And the precinct? Filled with allies who owed him favors.

His words carried an unmistakable warning—if Ethan dared to cross the line again, Alexander would personally ensure he ended up behind bars with no chance of mercy.

While others might not fully grasp Alexander’s meaning, Vincent and Eleanor understood perfectly.

It was a clear threat—keep Ethan in check and abandon any foolish ideas about Evelyn.

Vincent opened his mouth to speak but ultimately remained silent.

Once they left, only Vincent’s family remained in the hospital room.

Eleanor shut the door firmly before turning to Ethan with a sharp question. "Tell me the truth. Did you really kidnap Evelyn?"

Ethan clenched his jaw, refusing to answer. His silence was confirmation enough.

Eleanor’s face paled. "Have you lost your mind? Do you have any idea what you’ve done?"

"Your father has spent the last year barely holding on after going against Alexander in the company. And now you think you can challenge him? Do you honestly believe he’ll let this slide?"

Ethan had no interest in arguing. It was pointless.

Vincent finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "Ethan, these six months are your chance to prove yourself. Build your company. Secure your position. Once you’re untouchable, no one can force you out."

The air in the room grew heavier, thick with tension and unspoken fears.

Eleanor exhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around her purse. "This isn’t just about business anymore. You’ve made it personal."

Ethan’s gaze darkened, but he said nothing.

Vincent’s expression hardened. "If you don’t fix this, we all pay the price."

A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant hum of hospital machinery.

Then, from the doorway, a cold voice cut through the tension.

"Too late for that."

Vanessa stood there, her eyes burning with fury.

She had heard everything.

And now, she knew the truth.

Vanessa had been completely in the dark.

The moment she heard Ethan had kidnapped Evelyn and kept her in a secluded villa for weeks, her blood boiled with rage!

As soon as Vincent and Eleanor left, Vanessa stormed up to him. "Ethan, do I mean nothing to you? What were you doing with Evelyn all that time? Did you sleep with her?"

Her mind raced. No wonder Alexander was so furious he wanted to disown him. Ethan’s actions were beyond disgraceful!

The thought of her man betraying her while she carried his child made her feel like a fool for ever defending him.

Everyone knew—everyone—except her.

"Ethan, after everything I’ve sacrificed for you, how could you do this?"

Only then did Ethan react.

He turned, his lips curling into a mocking smirk. "Do what, exactly?"

"How could you be with Evelyn? You—you two—"

Her voice broke. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

Suddenly, it all made sense—the way he had pressured her to sign those divorce papers.

The realization hit her like a slap.

The thought struck her like lightning.

"If I had signed those papers back then, would Ethan have run away with Evelyn by now?"

Her fingers trembled around the wine glass.

The past played in her mind like a cruel film reel—Evelyn’s quiet defiance, Ethan’s cold dismissal, the way their lives had shattered around her.

Vanessa took a slow sip, the bitterness of the wine matching the taste of regret in her mouth.

She had played her cards wrong.

Too late, she realized the game had never been in her favor.

Ethan had never been hers to keep.

And Evelyn—her stepsister, the one she had underestimated—had won without even trying.

The truth settled over her like a suffocating blanket.

She had lost.

Not just Ethan.

But everything.