While Evangeline was immersed in business discussions, a sudden wave of hunger washed over her. Her gaze landed on the table adorned with an array of decadent desserts prepared for the party. Feeling the irresistible pull of her cravings, she gracefully excused herself from the conversation.
Jeremy observed as Evangeline gracefully made her way to the dessert table, her movements fluid and elegant amidst the bustling crowd of business tycoons. As he sensed her need for a moment alone, he decided to discreetly follow her, ensuring she had the support she needed.
"Eva, need a hand with those?" Jeremy offered as he approached, a warm smile playing on his lips.
Evangeline glanced up, her expression softening at the sight of her brother. "Thanks, Jer," she replied gratefully, gesturing towards the array of delectable treats spread out before them. "I couldn't resist indulging in a little dessert."
Jeremy's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, the cravings strike again," he remarked with a knowing smile, remembering his sister's pregnancy. "Anything in particular you're craving this time?"
Evangeline nodded eagerly, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Something sweet, definitely. Maybe a slice of that chocolate cake," she replied, her mouth watering at the thought.
Jeremy chuckled, selecting a slice of the chocolate cake for her. "Here you go, sis. Enjoy."
As they indulged in their desserts, Jeremy couldn't help but marvel at the miracle of life growing within his sister. He knew that Evangeline's journey into motherhood would be filled with its own challenges and joys, but he was confident that she would navigate it with the same grace and determination she showed in every aspect of her life.
While Evangeline enjoyed her slice of chocolate cake, she noticed Zach's presence lingering nearby. His gaze followed her every bite, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
"Enjoying yourself?" Zach's voice cut through the air, his tone tinged with disapproval as he watched her eat.
Evangeline paused mid-bite, feeling a flush of embarrassment at being caught in the act. She straightened in her seat, meeting Zach's stern gaze with a defiant tilt of her chin.
"I'm just satisfying a craving," she replied defensively, gesturing to the desserts spread out before her.
Zach's expression hardened, his concern evident despite his stern demeanor. "You know too much sugar isn't good for the baby," he admonished, his voice softening slightly with genuine worry.
Evangeline bristled at the implication, her defenses rising at the perceived criticism of her choices. "I know what's best for my baby," she retorted, her tone sharp as she defended her actions.
Zach's features softened with a sigh, his concern for Evangeline evident in his gaze. "I just don't want anything to happen to you or the baby," he admitted, his voice tinged with sincerity.
Evangeline's resolve wavered at the genuine concern in Zach's words, her anger dissipating as she met his gaze. Despite their differences, she couldn't deny the sincerity in his concern for her well-being.
"I appreciate your concern," she replied softly, her tone softened by gratitude. "But I'll be fine."
Jeremy observed the interaction between Zach and Evangeline with relief and concern. While he appreciated Zach's genuine concern for his sister's well-being, he couldn't shake the underlying tension that seemed to simmer beneath their conversation.
Meanwhile, Klein's demeanor shifted noticeably as he watched Evangeline engage in conversation with Zach. His brows furrowed in displeasure, a flicker of jealousy crossing his features as he observed her talking to another man. Despite his efforts to conceal his emotions, the subtle shift in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by those around him.
Evangeline was unaware of the scrutiny she was under and continued her conversation with Zach, her attention focused solely on him as they discussed her well-being and the health of her unborn child. As she reassured Zach of her ability to take care of herself, Jeremy couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for feeling that something was about to go wrong.
As Zach continued to express his concerns, Evangeline felt a wave of irritation rising within her. She couldn't understand why he was suddenly so invested in her well-being when he had chosen to leave her for another woman.
"Zach, I don't need your concern, really," Evangeline began, her tone tinged with frustration. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself and my baby. You don't need to hover over me like this."
Zach's expression softened, his features reflecting guilt. "I know, I know," he replied, his voice laced with remorse. "But Evangeline, I can't help but worry about you. You mean everything to me, and I want to make things right."
Evangeline's patience was wearing thin. "Zachary Salazar, we've been over this," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "You made your choice when you walked away from our marriage. I need you to respect my space."
Zach's insistence only fueled Evangeline's resolve, and she prepared to push back against his persistent concern. However, before their disagreement could escalate further, Klein's interruption brought their conversation to an abrupt halt.
When Klein's hand landed on Evangeline's lower back, Zach's gaze sharpened, his protective instincts kicking in. He observed the interaction with a frown, his jaw tightening at the familiar gesture.
Evangeline's reaction didn't go unnoticed by Zach. Her flinch and subsequent glare made it clear that she wasn't comfortable with Klein's touch, despite his charming demeanor.
"Not anymore," Evangeline muttered, setting her dessert plate aside with a hint of irritation in her voice. She was about to reach for the glass of champagne when Zach's hand closed around hers, stopping her in her tracks.
"No. Not good," Zach interjected firmly, his tone carrying a hint of reprimand. His sudden intervention snapped Evangeline back to reality, reminding her of her pregnancy and the need to be cautious.
Evangeline hesitated for a moment, her gratitude evident in her eyes, "Thank you." She uttered nervously.
Evangeline hesitated for a moment, her gratitude evident in her eyes as she nervously uttered, "Thank you."
Zach's tone turned assertive as he addressed Klein, his irritation palpable. "Mr. Klein, can you remove your hands off her?"
Tension crackled in the air as Zach and Klein locked eyes, their silent standoff threatening to escalate into something more. Evangeline shifted uncomfortably, caught in the middle of their brewing confrontation.
"Why should I?" Klein repeated, his smirk growing more pronounced.
Zach's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he clenched his fists, his voice rising with each word. "Because she's my wife, that's why! Show some respect."
Klein's amusement at the situation was evident as he casually shrugged. "Your wife, huh? Funny, considering you left her for another woman. I heard."
Evangeline winced at the reminder, her discomfort growing with each passing moment. "Please, let's not do this here," she interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension.
But Zach was unwilling to back down, his resolve hardening. "You don't get to touch her," he insisted, his tone firm.
Before the situation could escalate further, Jeremy intervened, stepping between Zach and Klein with a stern expression. "Gentlemen, let's keep this civil," he urged, his voice carrying authority.
And yet, the heated exchange between Zach and Klein continued until their argument was abruptly halted by Evangeline's sudden gagging. The sound cut through the tension, instantly capturing their attention.
Concern washed over Zach's face as he rushed to face Evangeline, his earlier irritation forgotten in the face of her discomfort. "Eva, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Evangeline waved him off weakly, her hand pressed against her mouth as she struggled to compose herself. "I'm fine, just a little queasy," she managed to reply, her words slightly muffled by her hand.
Klein's smirk faltered and was replaced by genuine concern as he watched Evangeline closely. "Should I call for a doctor?" he offered, his earlier arrogance replaced by a more empathetic tone.
She shook her head, mustering a weak smile. "No, thank you. I just need a moment," Evangeline assured them, her breathing slowly returning to normal.
She shook her head, managing a weak smile. "No, thank you. I just need a moment," Evangeline assured them, her breathing gradually returning to normal.
But that's what she thought until nausea hit her like a tidal wave. Without warning, she bolted up from her seat and dashed into the restroom, with Jeremy and the others hot on her heels.
Once Evangeline got inside one of the cubicles, she swiftly locked the door, leaving the others outside to hear the distressing sounds of her retching and vomiting.
"Oh my God... I shouldn't have eaten that cake," she whimpered from behind the closed door, her voice filled with regret, while Zach paced anxiously outside.
"Do you need some water?" Jeremy's concern was evident as he hurried to fetch a bottle, not waiting for Evangeline's response.
Evangeline's distress could be heard as it escalated, tears streaming down her cheeks like a child's, while Klein listened with a hint of amusement.
Just then, the door opened, revealing Evangeline's disheveled appearance, yet she still managed to look beautiful. With a hand on her stomach, she headed to the lavatory.
"How are you feeling?" Zach's voice was gentle as he offered his handkerchief to her.
"Not good. I should've listened to you," Evangeline admitted, still trembling from the ordeal.
Zach's comforting hand on her back brought a sense of reassurance as he whispered, "It's alright, I'm here..."
Evangeline couldn't help but let out a soft laugh amidst her tears. "This baby has an attitude," she mumbled, earning a gentle chuckle from Zach.
Klein who has been standing there from the beginning, crossed his arms and raised a brow in curiosity.
"What baby?"