Divorce？The Billionaire Says No Way！

Chapter 2 Embarrassed in Front of Ethan

'This can't be true.' Evelyn repeated to herself over and over. She always took the morning-after pill. Yet, the doctor's words echoed in her mind as she drove home.

She was pregnant.

Her grip on the steering wheel tightened. Ethan would never want this child. She knew that for certain.

But... she wanted to keep it. Deep down, Evelyn had always longed for a child.

'He can't find out,' she resolved, glancing at her flat stomach. For the first time, divorce felt like the only way forward. She needed the perfect opportunity to leave without raising suspicion.

Evelyn's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by her phone vibrating in her lap for the third time. Answering it, her stepmother, Lisa Bennett's tearful voice burst through.

"Evelyn, your father... the trial's verdict is out. He got eight years! Your grandfather collapsed when he heard the news and is now in the ER. The hospital bill is expensive... Can you talk to Ethan? Please, he's our only hope!"

Eight years. Evelyn's heart sank. Her father was sentenced, and now her grandfather was clinging to life in a hospital bed.

"I'll try," she murmured, swallowing her emotions.

After hanging up, Evelyn called Ethan.

"Sorry, the number you dialed is busy now."

The first call was declined, and so was the second. By the third, Ethan finally answered, his tone clipped and impatient.

"I'm busy. Call William if you need something." He hung up without waiting for her reply.

The dial tone left Evelyn staring at her screen, hopelessness creeping in.

With no other choice, she tried cashing the check Ethan had given her months ago, only to be told it required his authorization. Desperation mounting, Evelyn turned to William Harper, Ethan's assistant.

"William, is it possible to get an advance on next month's allowance?" she asked hesitantly.

William's expression didn't falter as he refused, "I'm afraid not, Mrs. Ford. And a word of advice—Mr. Ford won't tolerate a wife who prioritizes her family's debts over his reputation."

Humiliation burned in her chest. She had no friends to turn to. The collapse of the Bennett family had left her isolated. Even her best friend had her own struggles and couldn't help.

Left with no other options, Evelyn decided to sell her jewelry, the only one she had when she got married, yet that wasn't enough.

She then turned to list her designs, as well as her house, for sale. The proceeds wouldn't be enough for all the medical bills, but it was a start.

She had to take care of her family, including the baby on its way.

When a buyer reached out for her designs, she was surprised by how quickly things moved. They agreed to meet that evening.

Arriving at the agreed place, Evelyn pushed open the door and froze. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward her. At the head of the table sat Ethan, his cold, handsome face unmistakable.

Next to him was Linda, her delicate features and white dress radiating innocence.

"Sorry, wrong room," Evelyn muttered, gripping the doorframe tightly while hiding her embarrassment. She turned to leave, but Linda's voice stopped her.

"Wait, Evelyn! You're here to sell your designs, aren't you? You're in the right place!"

Evelyn's stomach churned. Linda was the buyer?

"What do you mean?" Evelyn asked cautiously, a sense of unease creeping over her.

Linda smiled sweetly, her tone apologetic. "Oh, it's just that my friend bought it for fun... No, let's say he noticed your incredible talent. He was interested, but I couldn't resist taking the opportunity for myself. Would you consider selling them to me instead?"

Evelyn stared at her, rage bubbling under the surface. Linda's polished exterior couldn't mask the venomous intent beneath. She's the one who caused Evelyn's failure in marriage, yet she feigned innocence here as if she were merciful.

'She's trying to humiliate me. What about Ethan? Does he know it's a trap for me?' Evelyn's gaze flickered to Ethan, who appeared indifferent, his attention on Linda.

She should have known better. Why did still hope he would care?

Fighting back her anger, Evelyn made up her mind and replied, "I..."

She was about to say she was willing to sell—she needed the money.

But Linda interrupted her. She stood up and reached out as if to affectionately hold Evelyn's arm. "Evelyn, are you still holding a grudge against me? I'm sorry. Back then, I was too naïve and accidentally told the truth after being led on..."

Linda's words instantly brought back memories of the accusations Evelyn had faced back then. The relentless insults had nearly drowned her.

Linda's approach felt like a cold, slithering snake crawling onto Evelyn's arm. She instinctively stepped back to avoid her, disgusted.

"Evelyn, are you still upset about the past?" Linda's voice softened, her red eyes glistening with feigned remorse. "I know you still hate me for that. I shouldn't have been so naïve back then... I didn't mean to ruin your reputation."

Evelyn was trembling with anger. This wasn't an apology—Linda was deliberately bringing up her humiliation in front of everyone to shame her again.

"Do you want to compensate me?" Evelyn's voice was steady as she met Linda's gaze. "Fine. Five designs at $50,000 each—$250,000 total. Deal?"

With that, Evelyn handed the designs directly to Linda, signaling for her to take them.

For a moment, Linda's expression froze.

What was going on? Why wasn't this woman reacting as planned?

Evelyn handed over the designs without a word, her expression unyielding.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension.

"You call this trash worth $50,000 per piece?" Grace Ford, Ethan's cousin, sneered as she snatched the papers from Linda. She tossed them onto the table, where they scattered before the other guests.

"Look at these," Grace continued, glaring at Evelyn. "You're still as shameless as ever, trying to pass off garbage as art. No wonder you had to plagiarize in the past."

Grace was close to Linda and had always viewed Evelyn as the homewrecker who came between her cousin and Linda. She never liked Evelyn.

After Evelyn married Ethan, Grace had made it a point to give her a hard time at every turn.

Evelyn had always been tolerant, considering Grace's age and her relation to Ethan. But her forbearance had earned her no respect—only more aggression.

She vowed that for all the humiliation she had endured over the years, she would face the future with equal strength and resilience.

Evelyn looked at Linda again, her gaze icy and firm. "You know how it works. Once designs are seen, they can be copied. You're paying for them!"

After all, her designs had been stolen by Linda in the same way before.

She was obviously quipping.

Grace was momentarily stunned. For a brief moment, she saw a presence in Evelyn that reminded her of Ethan's aura.

Linda's nails dug into her palms, but she forced a smile. "Of course, Evelyn, I'll pay. But if you're short on money, you should've just said so. I can send you more. I'm happy to help!"

Evelyn's heart sank slightly.

So Linda knew she was struggling financially and had orchestrated this setup to humiliate her.

But since she'd already lost face, she couldn't afford to walk away without the money!

Evelyn lowered her gaze, suppressing the bitterness in her heart, and handed Linda her bank account information.

This time, Linda cooperated and began the transfer.

Suddenly, a distinct, slender hand reached out and stopped in front of Evelyn.