Chapter 566

Evelyn spent the morning chatting with Claire at the hospital, bringing along the baby clothes she'd purchased earlier from the maternity boutique.

"Have you decided on a name yet?"

Claire looked remarkably better than yesterday, her eyes sparkling with renewed energy. The overnight rest had brought color back to her cheeks.

"I'm naming her Bella. Bella Bennett."

Evelyn smiled. "That's an absolutely charming name."

Since Claire could eat solid food post-surgery, Julian had prepared homemade soup for her.

Claire suddenly grasped Evelyn's hand, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Julian and I... we're together now."

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock. "Seriously?"

Remembering how Julian had rushed into the operating room yesterday to donate blood, Evelyn hesitated. "Is this genuine affection, or just gratitude?"

Claire bit her lip. "A bit of both, I think."

It wasn't surprising. They'd shared a home for nearly eight months. Julian made breakfast every morning, warmed milk for her at night—his thoughtfulness had slowly melted her heart.

"Whatever it is, I support you." Evelyn squeezed Claire's hand firmly. "But Lucas already knows Bella is his daughter. He won't give up easily. Have you thought about how to handle this?"

Claire shook her head. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. We're already divorced. Who I date now is none of his business."

Their conversation paused as Julian entered with a steaming lunchbox.

Evelyn discreetly excused herself, closing the door softly behind her. Outside, Alexander stood waiting in the corridor. He immediately took her hand.

"Hungry? Let's get you something to eat."

Evelyn checked her phone—it was already past 3 PM.

"Honestly, you two talk forever. Have you forgotten you're carrying a baby?"

Alexander produced a cupcake from his pocket. "Bought this from the hospital café. Eat something before my child starves."

Evelyn accepted it, elbowing him playfully. "Who says it's a boy? What if it's a girl?"

"Just a guess. A daughter would be even better." Alexander's gaze dropped to her barely visible bump. At nearly four months, her pregnancy wasn't showing.

"Should we get you checked? Are you eating enough?"

"Next appointment isn't due yet." Evelyn took a bite. "The doctor said some women don't show early. It's normal."

Alexander remained silent as he led her to the car, driving to a nearby restaurant.

During the ride, Evelyn noticed his phone buzzing incessantly. "Aren't you going to answer that?"

"Not important." His tone was dismissive.

Evelyn thought nothing of it until they arrived. After ordering, Alexander excused himself to the restroom.

That's when the text came through:

[Alexander, I'm trapped by thugs at Eclipse Lounge. Will you let them humiliate me?]

His expression darkened instantly. He called Isabella back immediately.

The line connected to hysterical sobs and loud banging. "What's happening?"

"Please, Alexander! They're breaking in—"

"Where are you?"

"VIP room 3 at Eclipse—"

A deafening crash interrupted her as the door splintered open. Isabella's scream pierced through before the phone clattered to the floor.

"Did you really think you could hide from me?"

The smug voice of Vincent White made Alexander's blood run cold. More scuffling followed, then Isabella's terrified wails.

He hung up and bolted.

Evelyn frowned as Alexander sprinted past their table.

"Our food hasn't even arrived! Where are you going?"

He didn't look back.