Chapter 679

Sebastian Powell's confusion deepened.

If they were involved in that kind of operation, why abduct Isabella?

What possible connection could she have to their dealings?

Then, realization struck him like lightning. His expression darkened.

Isabella might not be linked to their business—but someone else was.

That man.

She must have been taken because of him.

Sebastian bolted from the scene without another word.

Hugh frowned as he watched Sebastian disappear into the crowd.

Nearby, Dominic Powell narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"What's Sebastian up to? Why the sudden secrecy?"

Nathaniel Powell spoke up, "Sir, are you sure your leg has fully recovered? Ms. Carter advised against excessive walking. You should still be resting."

For days now, Evelyn Carter had been performing acupuncture on Dominic's legs, drawing out the stagnant blood.

The improvement was undeniable—he could now walk short distances without assistance.

"I've been trapped indoors for weeks. Take me out for some air."

With no one available to accompany her, Evelyn found herself shopping alone at Willow Mall.

She started in the men's section, selecting two silk ties that would complement Alexander Whitmore's suits before turning her attention to Natalie Riley's gift.

After browsing multiple stores without success, she absentmindedly wandered into a baby boutique.

Her due date was barely a month away, and lately, she couldn't resist the tiny, adorable items.

Everything was miniature and impossibly sweet. Since she didn't know the baby's gender, she stuck to soft neutral tones.

A sales associate immediately approached. "How may I assist you today, madam?"

Evelyn's understated elegance—minimal jewelry but impeccable tailoring—spoke volumes. The uniformed chauffeur trailing her confirmed her status.

The associate had spent years in luxury retail; she recognized high-value clients instantly.

Evelyn selected several feeding bottles and two organic cotton onesies.

Remembering she still needed to pack her hospital bag, she added two sets of premium maternity loungewear.

Noticing Gale Peterson's arms overflowing with bags, she suggested, "Gale, why don't you take these to the car first? I'll wait here."

Gale hesitated, reluctant to leave her unattended.

"I promise I won't leave this store," Evelyn assured him, gesturing to the seating area.

As she rested, a familiar figure caught her eye—Vanessa Hart.

Vanessa's pregnancy bump was pronounced. Though a month behind Evelyn, her belly appeared just as large.

She was examining cribs when their eyes met. The venom in Vanessa's glare was palpable.

Two days prior, her doctor had confirmed the baby's heart defect.

A C-section would be necessary, leaving a permanent scar. Worse, the infant's survival wasn't guaranteed.

The stress had manifested physically—acne peppered her usually flawless complexion.

She bore this torment alone, maintaining a perfect facade for Eleanor and Vincent Black.

Their growing obsession with her unborn child only amplified her dread.

Seeing Evelyn ignited her resentment.

"Why is she the true heiress while I'm the imposter?

How did she secure Alexander's devotion while I'm trapped in this farce?

Even our unborn children—hers will always outrank mine."

Vanessa stroked her belly as she approached. "Shopping for baby things too?"

Evelyn ignored her.

Undeterred, Vanessa pressed on. "My doctor confirmed it's a boy. Eleanor says my carrying style leaves no doubt."

Her eyes dropped to Evelyn's midsection. "Yours is a girl, isn't it? That rounded shape never lies."

Evelyn scoffed. "Still clinging to archaic gender biases? How ironic coming from a woman."

Vanessa smirked. "I'm merely pragmatic. The Whitmore empire needs a male heir. Don't fool yourself—they all prefer boys deep down."

"An empire?" Evelyn's laugh was icy. "Does Ethan Caldwell even possess the competence to inherit it? He's failing as crown prince. What makes you think your child could redeem his bloodline?"

The verbal strike hit its mark. Vanessa's stomach clenched violently.

As Evelyn stood to leave, Vanessa's hatred crystallized into a plan.

Her child was doomed—but Evelyn's was thriving.

If doctors hinted her baby might not survive, why shouldn't Evelyn suffer that loss instead?

Outside the boutique, Evelyn scanned for Gale but spotted Ethan Caldwell approaching.

The stench of cigarettes clung to him—he'd clearly been waiting in the stairwell rather than endure baby shopping.

He froze upon seeing her, his gaze locking onto her swollen abdomen.

"Evelyn..."

The sight of her carrying another man's child churned something dark within him.

If only it were his...

She barely acknowledged him before turning away.

"Fantastic timing," she thought acidly.

Ethan intercepted her. "You're this far along and shopping alone? Where's my uncle? If he loves you so much, why isn't he here?"

At least he'd accompanied Vanessa, albeit reluctantly.

What excuse did Alexander have?

Evelyn whirled around, defensive. "Since when is husbandly escort service mandatory? We're perfectly happy. His presence isn't required for validation."

Ethan sneered. "Really? Then I suppose turning down that billion-dollar acquisition had nothing to do with you?"

The tension between them crackled like live wires...