Chapter 670

The sun cast golden rays through the café windows as Evelyn and Claire settled into their usual corner booth. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation around them.

Claire stirred her latte absentmindedly before dropping the bombshell. "Max wants me to move to Havenbrook."

Evelyn's cup froze halfway to her lips. "Havenbrook? That's practically another world from Cresthaven!"

It was true. The distance wasn't just geographical—it was a complete reset.

Claire shrugged. "Nothing's final yet."

But Evelyn couldn't shake the suspicion creeping into her thoughts. Cresthaven was Lucas Bennett's domain. No matter how much Claire tried to distance herself, his shadow lingered.

Havenbrook, though? That was uncharted territory. A place where Max Harrison could easily become her anchor.

"Claire," Evelyn leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I think Max has feelings for you."

Claire choked on her coffee, coughing violently as she grabbed a napkin. "You're joking, right? The CEO of Starlight Entertainment? Interested in a divorced single mom? That's straight out of a cheesy romance novel!"

Evelyn smirked. "Don't sell yourself short. You're stunning, and you two have history. Maybe he's been waiting for his chance."

Claire rolled her eyes. "Pregnancy hormones must be frying your brain."

Evelyn only laughed. "Just wait. His true colors will show soon enough."

Changing the subject, Claire frowned. "Have you heard from Isabella lately?"

Evelyn shook her head. "It's weird. How does someone just vanish?"

Two weeks of silence. No drama, no schemes. Peaceful, but unsettling.

Evelyn rubbed her rounded belly. "This little one's been quiet lately. Less kicking."

Claire's expression darkened. "Less movement? Have you seen a doctor?"

"It's probably nothing."

"Evelyn!" Claire snatched her keys. "We're going to the hospital. Now."

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as they arrived. After a thorough check-up, the doctor confirmed the baby was simply lazy—healthy, but small.

Relieved, Claire insisted on handling the paperwork while Evelyn waited.

But when Claire returned, the bench was empty.

Her heart lurched. Evelyn wouldn't just leave.

Frantically dialing, she got only a robotic voice: "The number you have reached is currently unavailable—"

Panic set in.

Evelyn hadn't meant to wander. But then she saw her.

Isabella Morgan, slipping out of the maternity ward.

At first, Evelyn doubted her eyes. The sunglasses, the scarf—but that walk was unmistakable.

Isabella hesitated, then ripped a paper to shreds before tossing it away. Resolute, she turned back toward the doctor's office.

Pregnant? The thought was surreal.

Isabella's hands trembled as she sat across from the doctor. "I don't want it. Schedule the procedure."

The doctor nodded. "It's early. Medication will suffice."

A prescription was printed. Isabella clutched it like a lifeline—or a death sentence.

She didn't see Evelyn watching.

In a secluded corner, Isabella unscrewed a water bottle, shaking pills into her palm.

"Isabella."

The voice made her jump. Pills scattered across the floor.

Evelyn stood there, eyes wide with disbelief. "What are you doing?"