Chapter 69

Vanessa's posture gave her away instantly, revealing to the man that she wasn't the person he had come for.

With a smooth pivot, he turned to Evelyn instead, offering a polite smile as he opened the rear door of the vintage car. "Ms. Carter, I'll escort you home."

Ethan and Vanessa stood frozen, their expressions twisting in disbelief.

What in the world is happening with Evelyn?

First, the general manager of Cresthaven Hotel had personally greeted her at the entrance. Now, this rare, meticulously restored car had arrived just for her.

Were these just hired actors? Some elaborate performance?

Unlike their shock, Evelyn remained composed.

Earlier, when she had texted Alexander her location outside the hotel, he had assured her a car would be sent.

But she hadn’t expected this—a vintage luxury vehicle that turned heads effortlessly.

The polished chrome gleamed under the afternoon sun, its deep burgundy paint flawless.

Ethan’s grip on Vanessa’s arm tightened as he watched Evelyn step inside with effortless grace.

The door shut with a soft click, sealing her away from their stunned silence.

The engine purred to life, smooth and powerful, as the car pulled away from the curb.

Vanessa’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Ethan’s jaw clenched.

This wasn’t part of the script.

Evelyn wasn’t supposed to have this kind of presence.

Not after everything.

Yet there she was—vanishing down the street in a car worth more than his entire year’s salary.

And he had no idea how to process it.

Inside the car, Evelyn exhaled slowly, her fingers tracing the supple leather seat.

Alexander had a flair for the dramatic.

But then again, so did she.

And this?

This was just the beginning.

This was far too extravagant.

Evelyn slid into the sleek black car without hesitation. Ethan instinctively reached out to stop her, but the driver smoothly maneuvered to block him, his movements effortless.

Under the stunned gazes of Ethan and Vanessa, the vintage car’s headlights flickered to life, illuminating the night before speeding away.

The vehicle vanished into the darkness within seconds. Ethan stood frozen, his eyes locked on the empty street long after the taillights had disappeared.

The glow of passing streetlights cast shifting shadows across his face. It took him several moments to finally look away.

Something about the driver nagged at him—a flicker of recognition he couldn’t quite place.

Surrounded by wealth his entire life, Ethan rarely bothered memorizing the faces of chauffeurs. Yet he was certain he’d seen that man before.

Vanessa scoffed beside him, her voice dripping with disdain. "Evelyn? With someone like that? Please. She must’ve latched onto him the second you two broke up. Pathetic."

Ethan turned sharply, his brow furrowing. "What did you just say?"

"A man, obviously. How else would she get picked up in a car like that?" Vanessa sighed dramatically, feigning sympathy. "Honestly, Ethan, you dodged a bullet."

Her words hung in the air, bitter and sharp.

Ethan clenched his jaw, his mind racing.

Something wasn’t adding up.

She didn’t know, but Evelyn had been absent from home these past few days. I have a strong suspicion she’s being hidden away by someone.

Ethan’s expression darkened instantly, his hands curling into tight fists. The air around him grew heavy with barely contained fury.

Unaware of the storm brewing within him, Vanessa continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "The Hayes family is one of the most respected in Cresthaven. How could she disgrace us like this?"

"Who knows how long this affair has been going on? They’ve probably been laughing behind our backs this whole time."

"Now it makes sense—why those reporters ambushed us outside the hotel that day. She planned it all. She wanted to pin the scandal on us while she sneaked around with her secret lover."

With every word, Ethan’s rage intensified. His jaw clenched so tightly it looked painful.

A visible vein throbbed at his temple, his eyes burning with resentment.

Without warning, he lashed out, his fist slamming into the marble pillar beside them with a sickening crack.

The force of the blow sent a sharp gust of wind past Vanessa’s face. She gasped, stumbling back in shock, her face draining of color.

By the time she regained her composure, Ethan was already storming away, his broad shoulders rigid with fury.

Vanessa hurried after him in her stilettos, nearly stumbling as she reached for his hand.

"Ethan, please don't take your anger out on yourself. Evelyn doesn’t deserve this."

His knuckles were raw, the skin split, crimson droplets welling up from the wounds.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her chest tightening at the sight.

Then, abruptly, he halted.

Vanessa, unable to stop in time, collided with his broad back.

The parking lot was eerily still.

After a heartbeat of hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, pressing herself against him.

"Ethan, I’m the only one who truly cares about you. Evelyn was never worthy of you," she murmured, her cheek resting against the fabric of his shirt.

When he didn’t pull away, a knowing smile curved her lips.