Chapter 728

Evelyn hesitated for only a brief moment before rejecting Dominic's offer. The reason was simple—she already owed him too much.

Favors were the most dangerous currency.

She refused to complicate their relationship further.

When Dominic heard her firm refusal, his gaze darkened instantly.

Even after ending things with Alexander, Evelyn still didn't consider him.

Dominic refused to accept that.

He was determined to win her over.

Seeing the resolve in Dominic's eyes, Nathaniel quietly reminded him, "Mr. Powell, Mrs. Whitmore has left." After a long pause, Dominic finally looked away.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and suddenly asked, "Who's more handsome—me or Alexander?"

Nathaniel nearly choked. Why is Mr. Powell comparing himself to another man out of nowhere?

He wanted to say Dominic was more attractive.

But Alexander had striking, chiseled features that stood out effortlessly in any crowd. Nathaniel couldn't bring himself to lie.

"You have completely different styles," Nathaniel said diplomatically. "Each of you has your own appeal."

Dominic frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer.

"Then if you were a woman choosing a husband, who would you pick?"

Nathaniel nearly groaned. Alexander is far more reliable in personality.

But upon reflection, Dominic wasn't entirely a bad choice either.

He might seem reckless, but he was fiercely loyal.

Once Dominic loved someone, he never wavered. He would give everything—even his life—for that person.

Most people saw Dominic as ruthless and unpredictable.

But Nathaniel knew better.

Dominic had never known warmth, so he never showed kindness to others.

Evelyn had been the only light in his barren existence.

That was why he had opened his heart to her.

Nathaniel met Dominic's gaze. "Mr. Powell, of course I'd choose you!"

Dominic smirked. "Good to know. But I'm not interested in you."

Nathaniel scratched his head sheepishly.

Evelyn didn't leave the hospital.

She went to the self-service kiosk in the lobby and printed out her son's recent medical records.

What she found chilled her to the bone.

Her son might have a serious condition.

Her pharmacology knowledge allowed her to recognize the prescribed medications—many were for heart disease.

When her son was first admitted, the doctors had assured her it was a minor issue that would resolve with time.

So why had it worsened after a month in the hospital?

She needed to see him immediately—to check his pulse and confirm her suspicions.

She lingered outside the neonatal unit until her son's attending physician appeared.

Without revealing she'd seen the records, Evelyn asked, "Doctor, when can my son be discharged?"

The baby had shown remarkable improvement lately, with medication dosages decreasing.

The surgery had been successful.

Relieved to see Evelyn, the doctor relaxed. "Just a few more tests, and you can take him home soon."

"Can I see him now?"

The doctor hesitated, then nodded. "But you'll need to sterilize first."

Evelyn agreed.

Finally, she would see her son again.

It had been a month. Babies changed so quickly—she barely recognized him.

After donning protective gear, Evelyn entered. A nurse carried her son to a private room.

At first glance, something felt wrong.

Though newborns often looked similar, Evelyn had studied her son's photos daily. This baby looks nothing like him.

Her eyes darted to the baby's right ear.

Her son had a distinct mole there. This child didn't.

Evelyn's pulse spiked. What's happening? Could the hospital have switched the babies?

She checked the ankle bracelet—it clearly read Evelyn's son.

But the birthmark was gone.

Birthmarks don't just vanish.

Evelyn pursed her lips, studying the baby's face.

He did resemble her slightly.

Silently, she took a photo and compared it to her earlier ones.

No matter how she analyzed them, they were not the same child.

Only one explanation made sense.

She and Vanessa shared the same father but different mothers—hence the slight resemblance.

This baby wasn't hers. He was Vanessa's.

Evelyn trembled with rage.

Vanessa had stolen her son right under everyone's noses!

Twenty years ago, Vanessa had replaced her as the Hayes heiress, reaping every privilege.

Now she's trying the same trick—stealing my child?

How dare she?

The medication list suggested this baby had severe heart issues.

Did Vanessa swap them because her own son was dying?

Or was this about revenge?

Vanessa's marriage to Ethan was crumbling. She was desperate in the Caldwell family.

Stealing Evelyn's son could secure her position.

Worse—she could mold him into a weapon.

Evelyn broke into a cold sweat.

Vanessa is pure evil.

This was a calculated, two-for-one scheme.

She knew Vanessa would raise her son to hate her.

When he grew up, Vanessa would revel in watching mother and son become enemies.

Monster.

The baby in the crib suddenly wailed.

Evelyn stared at Vanessa's son.

She didn't know how Vanessa had pulled off the switch.

But the children were innocent pawns in her game.

Gently, Evelyn soothed the crying infant.

He was painfully thin—abandoned by his own mother days after birth.

She wouldn't punish him for Vanessa's sins.

Under her touch, the baby gradually calmed and drifted back to sleep.