The words landed harder than she expected. Steven’s nostrils flared. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. His hand clutched at his chest briefly, as though her defiance had struck something deeper than he wanted to admit.
“You’ll regret this,” he managed finally, his breath uneven. “You’ll get rid of that bastard in your womb and give Mr. Ashbrook a proper heir.”
Eve’s laugh was soft but bitter enough to cut glass. “You’re delusional,” she said. “Ryan doesn’t want a child with me. He made that clear every time he told me not to hope. Every time he reminded me that love and family were luxuries we couldn’t afford.”
Her voice broke on the last word. She turned her face slightly, blinking back tears. “You must be out of your mind to think the Ashbrooks want an heir with your
