Chapter 498

Evelyn walked away without a backward glance.

Vanessa stood frozen in place, her hands trembling.

A quick-witted maid handed her a damp cloth, but Vanessa's glare could have melted steel.

She flung the cleaning rag across the marble floor, her voice breaking with fury. "How dare she humiliate me like this?"

At Titan Capital Group's executive suite, Alexander Whitmore's complexion was alarmingly pale.

Simon Graves, standing beside him, couldn't hide his concern.

"Mr. Whitmore, you should take medical leave. You're in no condition to work."

Last night had been hell. Alexander had raced to the hospital, donated blood, and kept vigil until dawn.

By 5 AM, Isabella Morgan was finally stabilized.

Even then, Alexander hadn't rested. He'd gone straight home—only to spend what little energy he had left cooking breakfast for Evelyn.

The dark circles under his eyes spoke volumes.

Simon had never seen his boss so recklessly self-sacrificing.

The man was running on fumes.

Yet here he was, pushing through another grueling workday as if his body wasn't screaming for reprieve.

Simon suppressed a sigh.

Some battles couldn't be fought with logic.

Not when love was the driving force.

Simon Graves was concerned Alexander might fall ill.

Nathan Reeves set down his pen and massaged his temples wearily. His voice came out rough when he spoke.

"Did she eat breakfast?"

"The maid confirmed she finished the soup. Mr. Whitmore, Mrs. Whitmore adored the meal you prepared."

A faint smile tugged at Alexander's lips.

He sifted through the papers on his desk until his fingers brushed against a glossy fashion magazine.

Tapping a photo, he asked, "Can I get this exact bracelet?"

Simon blinked in surprise, leaning closer to examine the image.

"It appears to be one-of-a-kind."

The pearl bracelet stood out from typical jewelry—its intricate design was unmistakably unique. Replicating it would be nearly impossible.

"Mr. Whitmore, are you serious about this? I know an artisan who might recreate something similar, but the cost—"

Alexander's tense expression softened slightly. "Money isn’t an issue. Set the budget at a hundred million. Tell him not to hold back."

Simon’s jaw nearly dropped.

Well, when you’re that rich, you call the shots.

"Could you tell me Mrs. Carter's wrist size?"

Alexander gestured with his fingers. Evelyn was delicate, her wrists almost fragile.

"Approximately 2.2 inches."

Evelyn went to see Claire.

"You're saying Alexander didn't come home last night and was with Isabella instead?"

Claire's eyes widened in shock. The memories of the past few months flashed through her mind, and she nearly lost her composure.

She stood abruptly, one hand bracing her lower back, the other resting protectively over her rounded belly. "Has Alexander fallen for someone else? Did he cheat on you while you're pregnant and unable to be intimate?"

Seeing Claire's fury on her behalf, Evelyn worried it might affect her condition.

"Please, sit down. He might not have cheated—he made me breakfast this morning."

"So what?" Claire's voice rose sharply.

"I think Vanessa might be right. Maybe he slept with another woman and felt guilty, so he cooked for you to ease his conscience."

Evelyn fell silent.

Was it really the case?

Claire clutched her stomach, wincing. "Ugh! I'm so furious it's making me nauseous."

Evelyn immediately steadied her. "Sit down. Breathe. You're pregnant—you can't afford to get worked up like this."

"I can't help it! I'm terrified you'll get hurt again. After what Alexander put you through, I won't stand by and watch history repeat itself!"

Every word from Claire dripped with concern, but Evelyn's mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.

After a long pause, Evelyn finally spoke. "I think... I want to take cello lessons from Mr. Herty. What do you think?"

The air between them grew heavy.

Claire's eyes widened. "The cello? Now? After everything?"

Evelyn traced the edge of the coffee table absently. "Music helps me think. And right now, I need clarity."

Claire exhaled sharply. "Fine. But promise me one thing."

"What?"

"If Alexander so much as looks at you the wrong way again, you walk away. For good this time."

Evelyn didn't answer.

Some promises were too heavy to make.