?Chapter 1089:


    Ethan’s face remained unreadable. “Are you finished?” For a moment, Evelyn could find nothing to say.


    Ethan regarded her with a cold stare. “Maybe instead of pointing fingers, you should ask yourself why your marriage failed. Not even your husband truly cared for you.”


    “You!” Evelyn’s breath came in ragged bursts, eyes brimming with frustrated tears as she fought to keep her anger in check.


    Ethan, done with her, turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her trembling with rage.


    Evelyn was livid. Why did every man seem hell-bent on protecting Lydia?


    Out in the courtyard, Lydia had put some distance between herself and Jeffry. Spotting Ethan, Lydia’s expression brightened, relief flooding her eyes as if she’d glimpsed a lifeline. She blinked at Ethan, signaling for his help.


    Ethan didn’t hesitate and walked straight over. He let Lydia slip her arm through his. She beamed, “There you are! Let’s go.”


    Without another word, Lydia whisked Ethan off in the direction of the children’s y area, eager to keep her promise to visit.


    Led away by Lydia, Ethan cast a cial look over his shoulder at Jeffry, making his position crystal clear.


    Rooted in ce, Jeffry watched the pair disappear, their easy closeness impossible to miss. This made twice now—twice he’d witnessed Lydia reaching for Ethan’s hand right in front of him. Behind his sses, Jeffry’s gaze sharpened to a dangerous chill—a sh of restrained rage flickering in his eyes.


    Ethan hadn’t fallen for Evelyn’s schemes, so she was left with no choice but to keep trying with Jeffry. She approached him and tried to persuade him. “Jeffry, did you see that guy with Lydia earlier? He’s clearly her boyfriend. She’s already moved on. She never cared about you the way I do. I’m the only one who truly loves you.”


    Jeffry kept his eyes down, his face giving nothing away.


    Evelyn pressed her case, oblivious to his thoughts. “She’s not worth your attention, Jeffry. She can’t even stay faithful. Just help me out this once, and I’ll do whatever you want…”


    Abruptly, Jeffry’s gaze snapped up and locked on hers, cold and sharp.


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    The iciness in his eyes left Evelyn frozen in ce, her words trailing off.


    Jeffry’s voice was t,pletely unbothered. “Don’t badmouth her again.”


    Evelyn nodded dumbly, too stunned to respond.


    Without sparing her another look, Jeffry got into his car and drove away from the children’s welfare center.


    Evelyn stood there for a long time, her mind nk, before frustration finally set in. She stomped her foot, anger simmering beneath her humiliation.


    With Jeffry refusing to help, Evelyn didn’t dare face her parents or pick up their endless calls.


    Back at home, Jerry and Aria waited anxiously for hours, but Evelyn never returned, and every call went straight to voicemail.


    The tension became too much for Aria to bear. She sprang to her feet, determined. “I’m going to the Harper family residence.”


    Jerry stopped her. “Why are you heading over there?”


    Aria’s tone was insistent. “This isn’t just about that shameless other woman. Evelyn and Jeffry’s divorce had plenty to do with Elena, too. Evelyn and Elena never got along. If I talk to Elena, maybe she’ll soften and convince the Harper family to help.”


    Jerry thought for a moment and realized she had a point. “Maybe you’re right. I’lle with you.”


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