Chapter 650

Vanessa watched from the shadows, her fingers twisting the fabric of her dress into knots.

She had orchestrated this gathering specifically to humiliate Evelyn, but fate had other plans. The moment Evelyn arrived, she became the center of attention with that mesmerizing piano performance.

The recent revelation that Evelyn had become Leonard Herty's protégé only intensified the crowd's fascination. Everyone wanted a piece of her newfound connection.

Leonard Herty wasn't just any musician - he was a titan in Cresthaven's cultural circles, a man whose influence could open doors to unimaginable opportunities.

As Vanessa observed Evelyn basking in the admiration, her hand instinctively moved to her swollen belly.

The doctor's diagnosis echoed in her mind - congenital heart defect. The thought of her unborn child's condition made her chest tighten with anguish.

A flash of bitterness crossed Vanessa's features as she glared at Evelyn's slender frame.

With trembling fingers, she dialed Ethan.

This was her only trump card now - her status as Ethan Caldwell's wife.

"Ethan... I'm ready to leave. Can you come pick me up?"

Ethan had been buried in work lately, but tonight's dinner meeting happened to be just five minutes away. Eleanor had been adamant about Vanessa skipping the event, worried about the baby's health. It was only Vanessa's promise of Ethan's escort that finally eased her concerns.

True to form, Eleanor had called Ethan personally to remind him of his duty.

No matter how much he might resent Vanessa, he wouldn't dare disobey his mother.

Within minutes, Ethan arrived at the venue, his tailored suit accentuating his commanding presence.

Being a year senior to most attendees, Ethan had been something of a campus legend during their university days.

Word of his arrival spread like wildfire, and suddenly a crowd formed around him.

Ethan was no stranger to sycophants - the Caldwell name attracted them like moths to flame. He maintained his usual aloof demeanor.

But Vanessa felt a surge of triumph. Finally, she was reclaiming the spotlight Evelyn had stolen!

She made sure to loop her arm possessively through Ethan's. "It's getting late, and I need to rest. The baby, you know."

All eyes immediately dropped to Vanessa's midsection. So that explained her fuller figure!

As Ethan allowed himself to be led away, someone called out, "Leaving so soon?"

"My husband has important matters to attend to," Vanessa replied sweetly.

Ethan's gaze wandered across the room until it landed on Evelyn.

His breath caught.

She stood out like a spring blossom in her caramel coat and white knit dress, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail. There was an effortless grace about her that made everyone else fade into the background.

"Ethan?"

Vanessa tugged at his arm, but he remained rooted to the spot.

When she followed his stare, her blood boiled. He was completely transfixed by Evelyn.

Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, Vanessa whispered, "Ethan, we're leaving."

Still no response.

The tension became palpable, until someone broke it with forced cheer. "Mr. Caldwell! You must try this excellent vintage before you go!"

Truthfully, no one wanted Ethan to leave. These elite gatherings were rare opportunities to network with Cresthaven's upper echelons.

Ethan seized the moment to take a seat - conveniently facing Evelyn. The way he looked at her could melt glaciers.

Vanessa's face burned with humiliation beside him.

Claire was the first to notice Ethan's intense stare. She nudged Evelyn sharply. "Ethan Caldwell's here!"

Evelyn glanced up, and when their eyes met, Ethan raised his glass in a silent toast, one eyebrow quirking playfully.

The gesture might have seemed subtle, but in this shark tank of social climbers, nothing went unnoticed.

Whispers about the complicated history between the three began circulating anew. Sympathy visibly shifted toward Vanessa - the pregnant wife clearly losing her husband's attention to another woman.

Desperate to salvage some dignity, Vanessa forced a smile while internally screaming for the event to end. The weight of pitying stares became unbearable.

Seizing an unnoticed moment, she slipped away to a secluded corner. With practiced stealth, she emptied a small vial into a crystal champagne flute.

Nathaniel gasped from the surveillance room. "Mr. Powell! She's poisoning Ms. Carter!"

Dominic, who had been monitoring the screens intently, barely reacted. "I have eyes, Nathaniel," he said dryly.

"Aren't we going to intervene? She's pregnant! What if she drinks that?"

It was almost comical - Dominic had come specifically for Evelyn, yet he'd holed up in the control room instead of making his move.

Nathaniel wondered if there'd been some incident at the hospital that had shaken his normally decisive boss.

Just as Evelyn reached for the tainted glass, Dominic finally stirred.

But before he could act, every head in the room turned toward the elevator.

Alexander Whitmore stepped out, his presence commanding immediate attention.

Dominic's hands clenched into fists.

"Damn it," he muttered. "Always one step behind."

Nathaniel sighed. "Mr. Powell... are we still making our move?"