Chapter 119

The neon lights of Halo Bar flickered as Vanessa Sterling stood outside, tapping her foot impatiently. Her phone call to Nathan Sterling went straight to voicemail again.

A pale hand gripped her arm. "Are you absolutely certain he's here?" Isabella Delaney's voice trembled with urgency.

Vanessa nodded vigorously. "I saw him enter with my own eyes, Isabella. He's definitely inside."

Isabella's nails dug into her palms. Just weeks ago, she'd been rotting in a jail cell, abandoned by the Delaney family after Alistair disowned her.

The Sterling family had compiled enough evidence to bury her alive in court.

But fate had granted her one mercy - the pregnancy. It was her golden ticket out of confinement.

She'd called. She'd texted. But Nathan had ghosted her completely.

Desperation drove her to escape the hospital surveillance.

"Let's go in," Vanessa urged, pulling Isabella toward the pulsing entrance.

The bar's energy should have been exhilarating, but Isabella froze mid-step when her eyes landed on the VIP section.

Vanessa followed her gaze and gasped. "That witch! She's clinging to Nathan again like some pathetic ex. Don't they know it's over?"

Isabella's grip on Vanessa's wrist turned vice-like as she watched the scene unfold.

Evelyn Carter had just playfully flicked Nathan's forehead. And worse - he was smiling. Actually smiling.

Isabella's stomach churned with acid.

When Evelyn finally walked away, Isabella moved like a panther stalking prey.

Meanwhile, Evelyn stormed back to her table, snatching her purse with enough force to rattle the glasses. "I'm out," she told Olivia Sinclair. "You guys enjoy your night."

Olivia, already three drinks deep, waved absently. "Drive safe, babe."

Evelyn turned - and came face-to-face with a ghost.

Isabella looked like death warmed over. Gaunt. Pale. But most disturbingly - free.

"How?" The word slipped out before Evelyn could stop it.

Isabella's lips curled. "Surprised?" The venom in her voice could kill a horse.

Evelyn's eyes flicked to Isabella's still-flat stomach. "You always were resourceful."

"Enjoying your victory lap?" Isabella's voice cracked. "While I lose everything?"

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine as Isabella's gaze darted toward Nathan.

Then - pain. Sharp nails digging into her forearm.

"Please Evelyn," Isabella suddenly wailed, loud enough for half the bar to hear. "Have mercy on my baby! I love him! Just let us be happy!"

Evelyn tried to wrench free. "Have you lost your damn mind?"

Isabella's smile turned feral as she dramatically released Evelyn's arm - only to hurl herself backward onto the floor.

The sickening thud of flesh meeting hardwood silenced the surrounding tables.

"ISABELLA!" Vanessa shrieked, rushing forward.

Isabella cradled her stomach, face contorted in theatrical agony. She pointed a shaking finger at Evelyn. "Why...why would you hurt my baby?"

The entire bar turned to stare as Isabella's dress began blooming with red.