Chapter 595

Evelyn couldn't contain herself any longer. The dam burst as she snapped, "Are you truly this dense?"

Ethan recoiled as if struck, his expression morphing into one of utter disbelief. The woman before him seemed like a stranger.

"Evelyn...what did you just—"

She lifted her chin, her gaze locking onto his with unflinching intensity.

"I despise name-calling, but you leave me no choice. Ethan Caldwell, Cresthaven's golden boy. Must you debase yourself clinging to someone who wants nothing to do with you?"

His breath hitched. "You think I'm...degrading myself?"

"Every single day," Evelyn confirmed with a sharp nod.

Before he could respond, a sleek black sedan pulled up beside them.

Evelyn verified the license plate against her phone screen. Without sparing Ethan another glance, she yanked the door open and slid inside.

The car peeled away, leaving Ethan choking on exhaust fumes.

He stood frozen, watching the taillights disappear around the corner. His hands curled into white-knuckled fists at his sides.

"Does she detest me this much now?"

The realization struck like a physical blow, draining the color from his face. An aching hollowness spread through his chest, as if someone had carved out his heart with a dull spoon.

"Is this her retribution?" he wondered bitterly.

"The woman who once adored me now wants me to taste her suffering..."

Vanessa chose that moment to appear, rushing toward him with outstretched arms.

She wrapped herself around his waist from behind, pressing her cheek against his back.

"You still have me, Ethan. Evelyn doesn't deserve you, but I do. We're married now. Let's build our happiness together, yes?" Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness, her manicured fingers tracing circles on his abdomen.

Ethan's face darkened. Revulsion twisted his features as he shoved her away violently.

"Know your place, Vanessa. Do you honestly believe I've kept you around out of affection?"

He seized her chin, forcing her to meet his glacial stare. Angry red marks bloomed beneath his fingertips.

"I want you to experience the agony of loving someone who'll never return your feelings. I want to watch you drown in misery, just as I'm drowning now."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away without a backward glance.

Vanessa's tears fell freely.

She'd foolishly believed his reluctance to divorce after her miscarriage signaled lingering tenderness.

Now she understood. He simply wanted her to suffer.

The man's heart was carved from ice.

The orchestra members arrived at dawn, their shuttle bus pulling up to the concert hall's grand entrance.

Cassandra Brown stepped off with a spring in her step. The memory of Evelyn being locked inside overnight had erased all her nerves. She hummed a jaunty tune, adjusting the straps of her designer gown.

"Cassandra, you're radiant today!" Eleanor gushed from behind her. "Is that a new Valentino? It hugs your curves perfectly."

Cassandra preened. As principal cellist, she always dressed to impress for performances.

Today's selection required her most exquisite ensemble.

The internal competition would determine who performed at next month's gala. Beyond orchestra members, Cresthaven's elite had been invited to judge.

Though her father Edward Brown served as associate conductor, the Browns lacked true wealth. They were minnows swimming with sharks.

Cassandra envisioned herself center stage, her bow coaxing magic from the strings. The fantasy sent thrills down her spine.

If she could catch a wealthy matriarch's eye today, perhaps she'd land a proposal from an eligible heir.

Her daydreams carried her so high she barely noticed the ground beneath her feet.

Miranda's sharp gasp shattered the reverie. "Wait—why are there police cars surrounding the hall?"