Chapter 680

Ethan's sharp intuition struck true. He'd clearly picked up on something unusual.

But Evelyn maintained her perfect poker face. "Of course it's for me. I'm nearing my due date, and Alexander shouldn't be traveling far. He's staying in Cresthaven to be with me until the baby arrives. He even canceled a major deal for this. What's a billion-dollar contract compared to our child?"

A humorless smile tugged at Ethan's lips, never reaching his cold eyes.

He knew better than anyone that Evelyn was merely putting on a brave front.

Ethan understood exactly why Alexander wasn't by her side, but chose not to expose her now.

After everything they'd been through, he still wanted to preserve Evelyn's dignity.

"Did you come alone? Let me drive you home." Ethan took several cautious steps toward her, concerned for her safety in her delicate condition.

But Evelyn's frosty gaze stopped him dead as she deliberately avoided his outstretched hand.

"That won't be necessary!"

She turned sharply on her heel.

"Evelyn!" Ethan's brow furrowed. "Must you be so cold? You know I'd never harm you!"

"Never harm me? Right. Well, I don't love you anymore, so you'll never get another chance to shatter my heart."

Evelyn's mocking laugh hung in the air as she walked away without a backward glance.

To her, everything between them belonged to another lifetime.

Their relationship had long surpassed casual conversations or shared rides.

Nearby, Vanessa stood frozen in the baby boutique, watching the entire exchange through the glass storefront.

Her expression twisted with bitter resentment.

Ethan could barely tolerate being in the same room with her, his lawful wife, yet here he was engaging in prolonged conversation with Evelyn. The injustice burned like acid in her veins.

Everything she'd clawed and fought for, Evelyn obtained effortlessly.

Life's unfairness was unbearable!

Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, Vanessa stealthily pulled out her phone.

"Damian, I need a favor."

"Don't worry, it's untraceable. Once it's done, I'll give you enough to disappear abroad. This time, I guarantee the police won't catch you." Damian had only recently been released from prison.

Like the fool he was, his first stop had been the casino.

Now he'd gambled away his last cent, constantly dodging loan sharks.

With no other options, he'd turned to Vanessa for help.

After all, they'd shared intimate history, so Vanessa secretly funneled him money behind everyone's backs.

But Vanessa never made poor investments.

She'd always suspected trash like Damian might prove useful someday.

Especially since he remained Evelyn's adoptive brother.

Not to mention that year ago, Damian had nearly assaulted Evelyn in the villa, resulting in Alexander sending him to prison in a rage.

Having served time unjustly, Damian must harbor deep hatred for his adoptive sister.

And indeed, his usefulness arrived sooner than expected.

After leaving the baby store, Evelyn descended one floor, pausing when she passed a quaint music shop.

Melodic classical pieces drifted through the doorway. Stepping inside, she found walls lined with vintage vinyl records. The owner clearly had impeccable taste.

Suddenly, inspiration struck - the perfect gift for Natalie!

As a performer, her senior would undoubtedly appreciate this rare find.

Evelyn carefully selected a limited edition album from the early 20th century.

The composer's work was legendary. Natalie would cherish this.

"I'll take this one, please."

At the counter, the cashier scanned the record and processed her payment.

Clutching her purchase, Evelyn headed toward the parking garage elevators.

The doors slid open to reveal Vanessa already inside.

What wretched timing.

After a brief hesitation, Evelyn entered anyway. She couldn't afford delays - Gale was waiting.

As the doors closed, the two pregnant women stood at opposite ends, pointedly ignoring each other.

What should have been a brief descent turned nightmarish when the elevator jerked violently. Evelyn instinctively grabbed the railing.

Then the lights flickered ominously before plunging them into complete darkness.

Vanessa shrieked, frantically mashing the control panel buttons.

Evelyn remained remarkably composed.

This was a high-end mall - management would prioritize their rescue.

Vanessa slammed the emergency button. "What's wrong with your damn elevator? I'm heavily pregnant! If anything happens to my baby, I'll sue this entire mall into bankruptcy!"

The operator's panicked apologies promised immediate assistance.

Vanessa seethed at her misfortune.

Everything went wrong whenever Evelyn appeared!

"You broke the elevator!" Vanessa snapped. "You must be too heavy! It worked fine until you got in!"

Evelyn couldn't be bothered dignifying such idiocy with a response.

Terrified of the dark, Vanessa activated her phone's flashlight.

The sudden illumination eased her panic slightly.

Turning, she saw Evelyn standing calmly, showing no fear. "It's pitch black! Aren't you scared?" Vanessa demanded.

Evelyn's voice dripped ice. "I've nothing to hide. Why would I be afraid?"

The barb struck home.

Never one to waste drama, Vanessa immediately called Ethan.

"Darling, where are you? I'm trapped in the mall elevator!"

Ethan's disinterested "Mmm" crushed her.

His utter lack of concern felt like punching a brick wall.

"It's so dark! My legs feel weak. Ethan, please come hold me?"

Vanessa's damsel act had once worked wonders on Ethan. Now, it fell flat.

Anticipating rejection, she hastily added, "Evelyn's here too! She's pretending to be brave, but I know she's terrified!"

Mentioning Evelyn's predicament finally sparked a reaction.

"Hold on, I'm coming!"

Though help was en route, Vanessa tasted only bitterness.

She knew exactly whose presence had motivated Ethan.

"You're in trouble and didn't even call your husband?" Vanessa sneered.

"Oh right, I forgot. He's not in town. Even if you called, he couldn't come. Rumor says Isabella ran away. He's probably searching for her, isn't he? Doesn't that make you jealous, Evelyn?"

Evelyn's reply came frosty and measured. "Jealousy isn't in my nature."