Chapter 1172

No.1

"Julian and I are over. This child won't be an Ashford." Evelyn turned on her heel.

At home, she immediately called Evan Wells.

"Little brother, I need a favor."

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn retrieved a pregnancy test from her mailbox.

In the bathroom, two stark red lines burned her vision.

It must have happened at the Patriarch's birthday banquet...

She caressed her stomach with a bitter smile. "You picked quite the timing, little one."

No.2

Three months earlier, she might have stayed with Alexander for the baby's sake.

But now...

Curling up in bed, Evelyn cradled her abdomen.

"Mommy will protect you."

No one would harm her child.

At the Kingsley gala, whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Did you hear? They're adopting some orphan girl."

No.3

"Lucky thing..."

Eleanor Kingsley anxiously instructed security: "Keep Alexander away. Don't let him cause a scene."

In the shadows, William West watched everything with icy detachment.

Isabella's voice echoed in his mind: "I won't let her have this moment..."

His fingers brushed the U盘 in his pocket as a smirk curled his lips.

Suddenly, murmurs erupted across the ballroom.

Alexander Kingsley strode in with two unexpected guests.

No.4

Eleanor's face drained of color.

"Mr. Sullivan?" Eleanor Kingsley's eyes flickered, her lips curving into a practiced smile.

She discreetly studied the uninvited couple before her.

Madam Zade clung to her husband's arm, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Mrs. Kingsley," Madam Zade's soft voice carried unexpected weight, "we're here to stop the Kingsleys from adopting Evelyn."

The banquet hall fell silent.

William West straightened from the shadows, amusement glinting in his eyes.

No.5

"This..." Eleanor's smile froze, "Evelyn and you..."

"She already calls me mother." Madam Zade's eyes reddened. "If Alexander hadn't forcibly taken her thirteen years ago, she would have been our daughter."

Eleanor whirled toward Alexander Kingsley.

"I did it." Alexander stepped forward, his voice terrifyingly calm. "I hid her in the trunk when I brought her back."

Eleanor gasped.

"Have you lost your mind?" she hissed. "Why bring this up now?"

Alexander's gaze turned glacial. "You must choose between her and me."

No.6

Mr. Kingsley's face darkened with rage. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

"Mr. Kingsley." Vincent Sullivan finally spoke. "Evelyn did acknowledge my wife as her mother. She even entrusted us with her birth mother's keepsake."

He produced a gilded booklet from his coat.

"This is the proof—"

"Auntie Zhou!"

Evelyn Sinclair's voice rang out from behind them.

Madam Zade turned eagerly, accidentally knocking the booklet to the floor.

No.7

William West narrowed his eyes and retreated into the shadows.

"Evelyn!" Madam Zade seized Evelyn's hands. "You promised to be my daughter!"

Evelyn gently returned the clasp. "Auntie Zhou, I remember everything now."

She turned to Eleanor with apologetic eyes. "Mrs. Kingsley, I'm sorry..."

Eleanor paled. "Evelyn, we can still discuss—"

"Enough." Alexander cut in. "Forced affection bears no sweetness."