Chapter 83

The roar of a high-performance engine cut through the air.

From the line of luxury vehicles, a stunning sapphire blue sports car pulled up in front of Evelyn and Natalie.

Julian's right arm remained in its cast as he stepped out from the passenger side. "Evie, I made it!"

Evelyn's gaze immediately went to Julian's injured arm. "You shouldn't be moving around when you're still recovering."

She had returned to the country quietly, hoping Julian would continue his recovery in Frenda. Yet here he was, chasing after her.

"I missed you too much! Besides, the doctor cleared me. Did you really think I'd let you face this alone?"

Julian shot Nathan a challenging glare, marking his territory. He signaled the driver to hand the keys to Evelyn.

"You should drive today."

"You still trust me with your car?"

Evelyn hesitated as she took the keys, her fingers trembling slightly.

Since the accident, nightmares had plagued her sleep. Visions of Julian's lifeless body haunted her.

All because of Isabella!

"Absolutely." Julian nudged her shoulder playfully. "That's all behind us now."

"Perfect chance to test your new toy." Evelyn forced a small smile.

The past was past. She doubted Isabella would dare try anything again. Evelyn controlled her own destiny now.

She wouldn't let trauma defeat her.

Before leaving, Julian turned to Nathan with an icy expression Evelyn had never seen before.

"Keep your mistress on a shorter leash."

"If Evelyn had pressed charges about the accident, we wouldn't have hesitated to take legal action."

Nathan's frustration boiled over. "When the baby comes, I'll leave Isabella!" he blurted.

When Evelyn showed no reaction, he pressed on desperately. "Can't we start over then? Forget everything—"

His words cut off as Evelyn suddenly stopped walking. Nathan's heart leapt.

Was she reconsidering?

Evelyn turned with a dangerous smile, striding back toward him. Without warning, she brought her stiletto heel down hard on his foot.

The sharp point pierced through his leather shoe as she twisted mercilessly.

"Does that hurt?" Evelyn's gaze burned into his. "Wake up, Nathan. Go home and keep dreaming!"

Nathan endured the pain, disappointment flashing across his face.

He'd been fooling himself. Years of neglect couldn't be erased with empty promises.

Evelyn yanked her heel free and rejoined Julian and Natalie. "Let's go!"

After dropping Natalie home, they were en route to Kingsley Manor when Julian suddenly winced in pain.

Evelyn panicked, immediately diverting to the nearest hospital.

The emergency doctor examined Julian and diagnosed simple fatigue from travel.

Evelyn sighed in relief. The long flight had taken its toll.

Nearby, another doctor pulled back a curtain and said bluntly, "Just normal fetal movement. No cause for alarm."

Isabella caressed her belly with slender fingers, her expression softening.

"As long as the baby's fine."

Since the accident revelations, Nathan's attitude toward her had cooled dramatically.

This child was her last hope.

"Evie, want me to settle the score?" Julian nodded toward the neighboring bed with a cryptic smile.

Here? Now?

Evelyn had her back turned and hadn't noticed their unwelcome company.

Isabella felt the weight of their stares. Looking up, she found Evelyn standing mere feet away.

Remembering Evelyn's recent victory, Isabella rose defiantly. "Evelyn! Return my grandfather's ring!"

Evelyn finally understood Julian's meaning. She ignored Isabella, taking Julian's arm to leave.

"I'm talking to you!" Isabella rushed to block their path.