Chapter 122: Her Child Was Almost Stolen
The exhaustion after their passion hit Evelyn like a tidal wave. She curled into Ryan’s arms, her breathing gradually slowing into a steady rhythm.
Ryan rested his chin on her head. He listened to her breathing for a moment before shifting his position with extreme care. He reached out a hand to tuck the blanket tightly around her bare shoulders. Then he leaned down, slid his powerful arms under her knees and back, and lifted her.
Evelyn let out an unconscious whimper as he stood. She rubbed her cheek against the crook of his neck, her hands instinctively clutching his shoulders. Ryan’s throat moved as he swallowed hard. He tightened his grip and carried her into the bedroom. Kneeling on the edge of the bed, he lowered her onto the mattress with absolute gentleness.
However, the peace didn't last.
Evelyn suddenly began to tremble violently.
"No... please... give the baby back to me..."
In her suffocating nightmare, Damian stood at the top of the stairs. He held a torn prenatal report in his hands, his face twisted in a snarl.
"You thought you could leave with my child?"
Damian looked like a demon crawling out of hell as he stepped closer. "You'll never get rid of me. You have no right to take this child away."
The dream shifted. Evelyn was locked in a dark basement, her hands bound by heavy iron chains. Her belly was swollen now, and she could feel the tiny life kicking inside her.
Sienna, dressed in a luxurious silk robe, leaned into Damian’s arms. Her fingers, tipped with blood-red nails, stroked Evelyn’s stomach. Sienna giggled, her eyes full of malice. "Damian said that once you give birth, the child is mine to raise. I’ll tell him his birth mother was a shameless whore who ran off with another man."
"No... you can't..." Evelyn struggled desperately, making the chains rattle loudly.
Damian watched her with cold indifference. "You hurt Sienna. This is what you owe her. It’s an honor for your child to call her mother."
Sienna suddenly pulled a scalpel from behind her back and pressed it against Evelyn’s skin.
"Or..." Sienna leaned close to her ear and whispered. "What if I make sure he dies in your womb while Damian is away?"
"No!"
Evelyn bolted upright in bed, her scream echoing through the room. She gasped for air, her heart hammering against her ribs. The lingering terror left her shaking uncontrollably.
An instant later, a pair of strong arms pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Evelyn! Wake up! Look at me!"
Ryan’s voice was sharp and steady, though rough with sleep. He pressed her head against his chest. His warm skin acted as a shield against her cold back as he stroked her hair.
"It’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you."
Ryan turned on the bedside lamp. The warm yellow light chased away the shadows. He cupped Evelyn’s pale face and saw her pupils were unfocused, her eyes wet with tears.
"Damian... the baby..." Evelyn clutched Ryan’s arms, her voice a frantic whisper. "He’s going to take the baby... Sienna wants to kill him..."
Ryan lowered his head and pressed his forehead against hers, forcing her to look at him.
"Listen to me, Evelyn. That was just a dream. Damian doesn't even dare to step out of his front door right now."
Evelyn’s eyes finally focused on him. She stared at him, stunned.
"Two hours ago, every major media outlet received an anonymous tip. It’s about the CEO of Omni Group bribing judges for his mistress. I sent bank records and recordings as proof."
Ryan used his thumb to wipe the cold sweat from her cheek. "Right now, Damian is busy dealing with his board of directors and the reporters swarming his house. He’s struggling to save his own skin. He doesn't have the time to track you down, let alone hurt you."
"Really?" Evelyn’s voice still trembled.
"When have I ever lied to you?" Ryan kissed her damp forehead, his voice softening. "This is my territory. Even if God came down, he couldn't touch a hair on your head without my permission."
His powerful heartbeat pulsed against her ear. The comforting scent of cedarwood wrapped around her, dissolving the remains of the nightmare. Evelyn’s frayed nerves finally began to relax in his warm embrace.
She slid back under the covers but refused to let go of his hand. Ryan didn't pull away. He lay on his side, maintaining his protective stance until her breathing turned into the soft rhythm of sleep once again.
Morning sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Evelyn was woken by the sound of low voices. She opened her eyes to find a middle-aged woman in a white coat opening a medical bag.
Ryan had changed into a dark grey lounge suit. He stood by the window with a cup of black coffee. Seeing her wake up, he immediately walked over.
"You're awake?" He sat on the edge of the bed and felt her forehead. "You sweat a lot last night. Do you feel sick?"
Evelyn shook her head. Her gaze landed on the doctor, and she instinctively covered her stomach.
"Don't be nervous. This is my private doctor, Grace," Ryan explained. "Your emotions were too unstable last night. I wanted her to check on you."
Dr. Grace gave her a professional, friendly nod. "Mr. Lawrence called me very early. It’s a simple checkup. It won’t take long."
The doctor didn't ask questions about why Evelyn was in Ryan’s bed. She applied the gel to Evelyn’s abdomen and moved the portable ultrasound probe. The room went silent except for the faint hum of the machine. Evelyn held her breath, staring at the small black-and-white screen with sweaty palms.
The nightmare had felt so real. She was terrified the life inside her had truly vanished.
"Thump, thump, thump..."
A rapid, rhythmic sound filled the room. It was faint but full of life.
"Do you hear that?" Grace pointed to a tiny flickering light on the screen. "That’s the heartbeat."
Tears instantly filled Evelyn’s eyes. He was alive. The baby was still there.
Grace put the probe away and handed Evelyn a tissue. "The mother’s physical condition is good. There is some fatigue and stress, but no signs of bleeding. The fetal heartbeat is stable and development is normal. Just stay calm, eat well, and keep up with your checkups."
"Thank you..." Evelyn whispered, her hand resting on her flat belly.
After Dr. Grace left, only Ryan remained. He sat back down and brushed a stray hair from her face. "You heard her. The little guy is tough. Just like you."
Evelyn looked down at her stomach. The relief was there, but the shadow of the dream remained. Damian’s words about giving the baby to Sienna felt like a curse carved into her mind.