Chapter 542

Julian arrived just in time.

He shoved Lucas aside and gathered Claire into his arms, his desperation palpable.

Evelyn turned to Lucas, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Lucas, explain this to me right now!"

Lucas swallowed hard. "There was a car accident."

Evelyn's vision swam, the edges of her sight darkening.

A strong arm encircled her waist, steadying her before she could collapse.

She glanced up—Alexander.

What was he doing here?

Dark shadows bruised beneath his eyes, evidence of sleepless nights.

But Evelyn had no time to dwell on that. She tore her gaze away and demanded, "How did this happen? Did you two fight?"

Lucas remained silent, guilt twisting his features.

His silence ignited her fury. She grabbed his collar, her voice a venomous whisper. "Lucas Bennett, if anything happens to Claire or that baby, I swear I'll destroy you. I don't care who you are."

Lucas looked broken. "I'll apologize to her myself," he murmured.

The woman he loved was fighting for her life, and he was drowning in regret.

He loved her more than anything, yet somehow, they had become strangers.

Everything with Lola had been a misunderstanding—he'd been manipulated too.

But that misunderstanding had shattered them beyond repair.

"Let me go," Lucas said quietly.

"I just want to punch you," Evelyn hissed.

"Evelyn, calm down. Think of the baby," Alexander interjected.

He draped a coat over her shoulders, his expression tight with concern. "What's done is done. We need to focus on Claire now."

A nurse burst through the delivery room doors. "The accident has caused complications. Natural delivery isn't possible—we need to operate immediately. Where's the father? He needs to sign."

Lucas shot Julian a bitter look.

They were divorced. He had no right to sign.

"I'll do it!" Evelyn rushed forward. "How is she?"

"The patient is conscious, but the baby's condition is unstable," the nurse explained, handing her the forms. Evelyn's hands shook as she took the pen.

Alexander pulled her close, murmuring, "Breathe. Claire's strong. I've already called in the best surgeon—he'll handle the procedure."

Evelyn exhaled shakily, some of the tension easing at his reassurance.

Alexander had acted swiftly, arranging everything the moment he arrived.

"We're low on type A blood. Is anyone a match?" the nurse asked.

Julian, silent until now, stepped forward. "I am."

"Follow me," the nurse instructed, leading him into the operating room. The doors swung shut behind them.

Lucas watched, jealousy gnawing at him. Julian would be with Claire through it all.

Meanwhile, Evelyn paced outside, her anxiety a living thing.

Claire was in there, and she could do nothing.

"Where's the driver who hit her?" she demanded, turning on Lucas.