Chapter 608

The afternoon sun cast long shadows when Evelyn received the summons from Whitmore Manor. Harold Whitmore demanded her presence immediately.

Alexander was away at Titan Capital Group, immersed in business negotiations when the call came. With no other choice, Evelyn went alone.

Upon arrival, she found Harold in the study, moving chess pieces with deliberate precision. His sharp gaze immediately dropped to her midsection as she entered.

"Harold, what did you need to discuss?"

"You're five months along, correct? Why isn't your pregnancy showing more prominently?"

Evelyn's flowing dress concealed her gentle curves. Her naturally slender frame - willowy arms and delicate ankles - betrayed none of the typical signs of pregnancy.

At first glance, one might not even guess she carried a child.

Vanessa, barely two months pregnant, appeared nearly as unchanged as Evelyn.

Evelyn's hand drifted protectively to her abdomen. "Perhaps my metabolism hides it well."

Harold's piercing stare intensified. "Is it truly your metabolism...or miscalculated timing?"

His eyes raked over her form again, voice turning glacial.

"Speak plainly - is this child Ethan's?"

The implication struck like a physical blow. Evelyn had been Ethan's captive for weeks. Who knew what might have occurred during that time?

Then came her pregnancy announcement, now this barely visible bump - the dots connected themselves in Harold's suspicious mind.

Evelyn's lips parted in disbelief. She met Harold's gaze unflinchingly.

"Harold, from anyone else I'd dismiss such nonsense."

"But you? How could you entertain such vile thoughts? This is Alexander's child beyond any doubt. Ethan and I share nothing but mutual contempt. What exactly are you accusing me of?"

Harold's brow furrowed. "Yet Ethan boasts to everyone the child is his..."

Evelyn's laugh held no humor. "And you take his word over mine? As patriarch, you let Ethan spread these lies while favoring his branch? Alexander is your son too! If you doubt me, fine! But do you doubt him as well?"

Without waiting for response, Evelyn turned on her heel, ignoring Harold's thunderous expression.

No woman could remain composed when her integrity and child's parentage were questioned so brazenly.

She nearly called him a deluded old fool to his face.

In the hallway, she collided with Ethan.

His face brightened. "Evelyn! When did you arrive at the manor?"

Her expression could have frozen lava. "Since when do I report my movements to you?"

Ethan blinked at her venom. His gaze flicked toward the study. "What did Grandfather want?"

"Ask him yourself!"

As she moved to leave, Ethan reached for her arm.

Evelyn reacted violently, shoving him away with surprising strength.

The commotion drew the attention of the assembled Whitmore relatives.

Sophia intervened. "Goodness! Evelyn, what's upset you so?"

Harold emerged from the study at the disturbance.

Evelyn's glacial stare swept the gathering. "Perfect timing. Let me make something abundantly clear."

She placed both hands over her womb. "This child is Alexander's - incontrovertibly. Should I hear one more whisper otherwise..."

Snatching up a nearby Ming vase, she smashed it violently at their feet.

The priceless artifact exploded into shards that skittered across marble tiles.

"Consider this their fate."

The room froze in stunned silence.

Sophia sighed. "Pregnancy hormones, clearly. She came here spoiling for a fight."

Ethan's face cycled through shades of pale and crimson. That final act had been meant for him alone - a visceral warning.

Evelyn departed without backward glance.

Before she'd cleared the room, Eleanor's shrill voice pierced the air.

"Such audacity! A mere bride presuming to throw tantrums in Whitmore Manor? With Harold still breathing? The disrespect!"

Vanessa eagerly fanned the flames. "My apologies for failing to teach her proper decorum. Please forgive my sister's outburst."

Their tag-team theatrics met with silent, amused observation from the others.

Evelyn turned slowly, taking their measure.

Alexander had been exiled for years. These so-called kin were vipers in silk.

His standing in the Whitmore hierarchy mirrored her former position in the Hawthorne household.

The realization ached like an old wound.

She pulled out her phone, fingers flying.

[My love, when our baby comes, we'll be three. This child and I will adore you beyond measure!]

Alexander had just concluded his board meeting.

The message kindled warmth in his chest. Amidst corporate battles, such tenderness from his wife was rare sunlight.

Simon approached quietly. "Sir, Mrs. Whitmore was summoned to the manor today by your father."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Explain."

"The staff reported she shattered an antique vase after warning them against questioning the child's paternity."

Alexander's fist clenched. "I knew Father suspected...Could it be..."

He barked orders. "To the manor. Now."

Dinner service was underway when Alexander arrived, his presence dropping the temperature ten degrees.

Servants shrank from his glacial demeanor.

"Mr. Whitmore! Shall we set a place for you—"

"Unnecessary." His gaze found Harold. "I understand you summoned my wife today?"

Eleanor bristled. "Alexander! That tone with your father? After all his years—"

Alexander's laugh held no mirth. "An elder? Then address me directly. Bullying my wife in my absence - what manner of man does that?"

Vincent attempted deflection. "Who's bullying anyone? Your father merely wished to converse. Or does she report every pillow talk to you?"

Alexander's eyes narrowed to slits. "You dare speak to me? Perhaps focus on controlling your own son first."

"Letting Ethan spread his filthy rumors unchecked - does the Whitmore name mean nothing to you?"

Alexander sank into an armchair, finger stabbing toward Ethan. "Fetch the family disciplinary ledger!"