Chapter 225

Chapter 225
EVE

I stared at Noah through the hospital room window, my heart breaking all over again. His tiny body disappeared among the tubes and machines keeping him alive. The doctor's words hammered in my head—internal bleeding worsening, time running out. For my son, I'd sacrifice everything, even my marriage to Sean.

Sean touched my shoulder. "My team will keep searching for the missing nanny," he said, his voice tight. "Call me when you're done."

I nodded, watching him walk away. The space between us stretched like an open wound.

Mrs. Brown arrived precisely on time at the hospital café, her posture stiff and formal.

"Ms. Carter," she extended her hand for a businesslike shake. "Your message sounded urgent."

"Thank you for coming," I replied. "How's your family?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Now what's this about my husband you mentioned?"

I unlocked my phone, sliding it across the table. "Evidence of Julie and Logan's relationship."

Her face transformed as she scrolled—shock, fury, then rage. Her hands trembled around my phone.

"That whore!" she hissed. "Under my own roof, with my husband!"

"There's more," I leaned forward. "The baby might be Logan's."

Mrs. Brown's head snapped up, danger flashing in her eyes. "You sure about this?"

"Julie mentioned the baby's blood type. When I checked against your husband's... it matches up."

Her chest heaved. "That bitch is carrying my husband's child..."

"I thought you should know," I said quietly. "Before it affects your position and assets."

She inhaled deeply. "I'll take care of it. Why are you telling me this?"

I hesitated. "I need leverage. And I thought we might help each other."

Back in my car, I stared at my phone. Final step. Contact Lucas. My stomach twisted, but for Noah, I had no choice.

I dialed. He answered on the third ring.

"Eve," Lucas sounded smug. "Calling so soon?"

"I've divorced Sean," I stated flatly. "Let's discuss the bone marrow donation."

"Wow. Just that easy, huh?"

I gripped the steering wheel hard. "This is exactly what you wanted, isn't it?"

"Meet me. Blue Note Café in thirty minutes."

The café was quiet. I chose a corner seat, back to the wall. Lucas arrived in his suit, radiating arrogance.

"Eve," he sat across from me. "You look terrible."

"Skip the bullshit," I snapped. "You want revenge on Sean? Fine. I'll play along, but only if you donate bone marrow to Noah."

Lucas leaned back, smirking. "When should we get married?"

"Donate first, then marriage."

Lucas laughed, grabbing my left hand. "Still wearing this?" His fingers brushed over my wedding ring. "You're divorced now. Take it off."

I tried pulling away. He tightened his grip.

"Don't forget our deal," I warned.

"I won't," he released my hand. "By the way, never mention Rebecca in front of me."

I frowned. "I didn't mention Rebecca."

His expression twisted before smoothing over. "City Hall, tomorrow at three for the marriage registration. Your choice whether to show up."

"Bone marrow first."

"No," his voice hardened. "Marriage first, donation after. Take it or leave it, Eve."

I bit my lip. "Tomorrow at three. You'd better keep your word."

Lucas suddenly yanked off my wedding ring. "This thing shouldn't be here anymore."

He tossed it away. The diamond ring rolled across the floor, disappearing into a corner.

"You—" I stood up, speechless with rage.

"Oh, right," Lucas added, "come to my place tonight. Get acquainted with your new home."

"Not happening."

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "What's wrong? Need to check with your ex-husband?"

"You're crossing a line," I clenched my fists. "Who I see isn't your business."

"As your future husband, I have every right. And I forbid you from seeing your ex."

"You're disgusting," I glared. "Totally shameless."

Lucas shrugged. "Insult me all you want. I don't care. But I'll be nice and let you say goodbye to your ex."

"So generous," I scoffed, standing up. "I'm out of here."

"Tomorrow, three o'clock. Don't be late," he called after me.

After he left, I dropped to my knees, searching for my ring. Finding it in a dusty corner, I cleaned it carefully but didn't put it back on. This wasn't just jewelry—it was my promise to Sean.

When I returned to Skyline Residence, Sean was in his study. His eyes fixed on the small travel bag in my hand.

"Packing?" he asked, voice rough.

"Just essentials," I answered, avoiding his gaze.

Sean's eyes dropped to my bare left hand. His face instantly hardened. "Took it off already?"

I shook my head, pulling the ring from my pocket. "Lucas threw it away. I found it again." I slid it back onto my finger.

"Why bother?" Sean's voice turned cold. "Afraid your future husband will get upset?"

"Sean..."

"Sorry," he cut me off, "I forgot. I'm the 'ex-husband' now."

I rushed forward, wrapping my arms around him. "Don't say that."

Sean stiffened before pulling me against him, his voice dropping dangerously: "Listen to me. No matter what agreement you have with that bastard, don't let him touch you. Got it?"

I nodded against his chest. "I promise. If anything happens, I'll call for help."

"I've been thinking," I pulled back, meeting his eyes, "Lucas's personality changed too fast. It's weird, almost controlled. I'm going to look for clues at his place."

Sean gripped my chin, eyes burning with possession. "Eve Carter," each word sharp, "you're telling me you're investigating in the home of the man trying to wreck our marriage?"

"I need answers," I said firmly. "For Noah, for us."

Sean released me, pouring himself whiskey and downing it. "You always do this—running into danger without thinking."

"That's not fair," I shot back. "I'm not being reckless!"

"No?" he challenged. "What are you trying to prove? That you don't take orders from Lucas? Or that you don't need my protection?"

"You can't talk to me that way," I said, hurt and angry.

Sean's eyes softened. "Damn it, Eve. I can't stand the thought of you in danger."

I stepped closer, touching his face. "In my heart, you were never an ex. You're my husband, my everything." I leaned closer, whispering, "Honey, trust me on this."

His phone rang. The caller ID showed Mrs. Brown.

"It's her," I said, surprised.

Sean answered on speaker. "Mrs. Brown?"

"Mr. Winters," her voice sounded unnaturally polite, "do you know a young woman named Julie?"

Sean glanced at me. "No, I don't."

Through the speaker came a woman's scream: "Sean! Help me! It's Julie!"

Sean's expression turned icy. "Julie... I might remember her now."

"Sean, please! They're going to—"

"I remember," he cut her off coldly, "this Julie mistreated my wife."

Julie's screams stopped. Mrs. Brown spoke again: "Thank you, Mr. Winters. Good evening."

After hanging up, Sean looked at me. "What did you do?"

I shook my head. "I gave her information she needed. The rest is her choice."

Mrs. Brown's text landed like a slap: [Old factory, Brooklyn. It's handled.]