Inside her car, Evelyn let out a shaky breath and texted Derek: "I'm on my way. Meet us at the next intersection—we don't want anyone to see us together."

After sending the text, she gazed out the window, counting streetlights to distract herself from what was coming.

A few minutes later, the driver glanced back. "Ma'am, please fasten your seatbelt," he said, his tone polite but urgent. Startled, Evelyn blinked, then complied. Just as she settled, the driver slammed on the gas.

The car surged forward, her heart leaping as they sped down the quiet street, weaving sharply as if evading pursuit. Her knuckles whitened as she clutched the door handle and protectively covered her abdomen, nausea rising with each swerve.

"W-What's going on?" she stammered.

The driver's eyes met hers briefly in the rearview mirror. "Apologies, ma'am," he said hurriedly. "I thought someone was chasing us, but a car just zoomed past. I'm so sorry I made you uncomfortable." He slowed to a stop, glancing back apologetically.

Evelyn stumbled out of the car, leaning against the curb as nausea overcame her. She gasped for breath, trembling from adrenaline. The driver approached, concern etched on his face. "Ma'am, I really didn't mean—"

Before he could finish, another car's headlights swept over them. Derek quickly parked and hurried toward Evelyn. "Babe!" he called, worry evident in his voice.

Evelyn forced a weak smile, feeling pale and shaken. Derek slid his arm around her shoulders, guiding her toward his car. He opened the door, helped her inside, and handed her water. She took a sip, the cool liquid easing her nausea.

"Just breathe," he murmured, rubbing her back. His touch calmed her tremors. "Are you alright?"

Evelyn nodded, managing a faint smile. "Thank you. I'm okay now."

Derek studied her intently. When he was satisfied she'd recovered, he fastened her seatbelt, his hand lingering briefly. He then turned to the bodyguard. After a brief explanation, Derek said, "I'll take it from here. You can call the police; they'll meet you here."

He glanced at Evelyn. "Ready to go?" She nodded, and he started the engine.

As they drove in silence, Evelyn's fingers twisted in her lap, her mind racing. She knew she had to tell him something before they reached the warehouse where Michael was held.

After a few minutes, Derek glanced at her, concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

She took a deep breath. "Yeah. About what I wanted to tell you earlier…"

Derek nodded. "I'm listening."

Evelyn's heart pounded. "I wasn't sure how to bring it up, hoping for a more relaxed moment… but I think you should know now." Derek spared her a glance; tension edged his features. "Tell me anything, babe," he assured her softly.

Swallowing hard, Evelyn whispered, "I… I think I might be expecting."

Silence filled the car. Then, Derek slammed on the brakes. The car jerked to a stop in the middle of the road. He turned, shock etched on his face. "Do you mean…?"

"Yes, Derek," she said gently. "It's late, and… you're kind of parked in the middle of the road."

He quickly pulled over. Once safely stopped, his expression softened as he processed her words. "When you say 'think,' are you guessing, or—?"

"I took a test," Evelyn admitted, her cheeks warming. "A few, actually. All positive."

He blinked, a furrow appearing between his brows. "When did you do that?"

"Earlier today, after you left," she said. "I had a suspicion, but wasn't sure."

"Eve…" He seemed speechless, his eyes widening. He shook his head, disbelief and wonder on his face. "You mean you've been feeling this way for a while?"

"Sort of," she whispered.

"You mean… a baby… my baby is growing in there? Why didn't you say anything?" He placed a hand on her abdomen.

A small smile tugged at her lips. "I wanted to be completely sure."

Derek's shock turned to determination. "I'm taking you home." He was overjoyed, though the shock was still settling in. He needed to get her home safely.

She blinked, surprised by his firmness. "But we had a plan…"

"To hell with the plan. I'm not putting you, or our baby, at risk. Sandra can go to hell. Nothing else matters right now," he said, his voice soft but resolute.

Evelyn's heart warmed. She saw fear and worry in his face, but beneath it, a fierce love grounded her.

Before she could respond, his phone buzzed. It was the detective. Derek answered, his voice tense, putting the call on speaker.

"We're supposed to be there, but plans changed. We're not going. I'm taking her home. You have enough evidence to get Sandra."

"We can finish tonight if you bring her. Sandra plans to be there to see Evelyn. Let's catch her in the act," the detective said.

"No. I won't risk putting her in the same room with Sandra."

"Just long enough for a picture or video. You can take her away afterward," the detective replied.

There was a pause. Evelyn knew Derek was torn.

Evelyn squeezed his hand. "Let's go ahead with the plan. I'll be fine. I want this over."

Derek considered it. "You'll only be there long enough for a picture or video. After that, I'm taking you home. I'm not letting that psychopath near you," he said, holding her hand tightly. Evelyn nodded. "Okay," she whispered, smiling through tears. His love and concern touched her deeply.