Chapter 446

Sebastian's muscular frame stood silhouetted against the light. He shielded the pregnant Abigail with the protective stance of a true gentleman.

His piercing gaze swept from Henry to Jane, then settled on Abigail.

The ice in his eyes melted when he saw the anguish reflected in Abigail's tear-filled eyes.

Meanwhile, Jane studied how Sebastian cradled Abigail possessively. The distinguished man in his thirties radiated wealth and power.

His custom Ermenegildo Zegna suit and platinum Piaget watch screamed affluence. Jane's lips twisted in envy, refusing to acknowledge Abigail had landed such a catch.

"Who knew my husband's discarded trash could attract rich men now?" Jane sneered, voice dripping with venom. "Quite the upgrade, Abigail. You've perfected your gold-digging skills!"

Jane refused to believe Henry hadn't slept with Abigail during their five-year relationship. Not when Henry performed so skillfully in bed - he must have practiced on Abigail!

This thought fueled Jane's burning hatred.

Abigail itched to stitch Jane's poisonous mouth shut.

Her fiery temper flared. She'd never tolerate such slander.

"Shameless hypocrite!" Abigail shot back. "Henry's not even worthy to lick my shoes. Only a desperate fool like you would want such trash. I wasted five years nurturing that ingrate - I should've raised a dog instead!"

She continued mercilessly, "At least a dog shows gratitude. You two deserve each other! I just pity your unborn child inheriting such disgraceful genes!"

"You... you vicious witch!" Jane's plump frame trembled with rage.

This wasn't the meek Abigail she remembered - the girl who used to cower in corners when bullied. When had she grown such sharp claws?

Sebastian watched with quiet amusement. Abigail had eviscerated the couple without a single curse. In different circumstances, he'd applaud her verbal execution.

"Hit that bitch, Henry! How dare she curse our baby! Make her pay!" Jane kicked Henry viciously.

Henry hesitated, eyes darting between the women.

Jane slapped him hard. "Useless coward! Still carrying a torch for her? Either beat her now or I'll divorce you tonight! Daddy will throw you out with nothing!"

Panicked, Henry lunged at Abigail like an obedient attack dog.

Abigail instinctively shielded her belly, heart shattering as her ex-lover raised his hand against her.

'Damn it! He's really going to hit me!'

Before Henry could strike, Sebastian twisted his wrist with bone-crushing force.

"Argh!" Henry howled in agony. "P-please, sir... l-let's talk..."

Jane flailed hysterically. "Release my husband! Do you know who my father is? Daddy will—"

Sebastian cut her off with a glacial stare. "I couldn't care less about your family. Disgusting behavior, assaulting a pregnant woman. Get out of my sight!"

He flung Henry aside like garbage. "Next time I catch you harassing women, consequences will be severe."

"You'll regret this!" Jane screeched, dragging Henry away as store employees laughed at their retreating figures.

"Are you alright, Ms. Thornton?" Sebastian asked gently, pity stirring in his chest.

'No wonder she distrusts men after surviving such toxicity.'

"I'm fine. Thank you, Mr. Whitmore." Abigail turned to leave before her brave facade crumbled.

Having her darkest shame exposed publicly was humiliating enough. Worse, Sebastian Whitmore - her professional equal - had witnessed everything.

"Let me drive you home," Sebastian offered impulsively, watching her stiffen.

"No need. I have my car." She walked away without looking back.

Sebastian shook his head in frustration.

'Why must she be so stubborn? Must she always reject help?'

The next morning after breakfast, Dominic prepared to meet a mysterious contact.

Concerned Evelyn might grow restless alone, he recalled the nearby peach orchard in full bloom - the perfect distraction.

After three hours' drive, they arrived at the meeting point's hotel parking lot.

Their contact had been delayed. With an hour to spare, Dominic guided Evelyn through the private orchard nestled against mountain foothills.

Pink petals swirled like enchanted snow as they walked hand-in-hand beneath flowering branches.

"Who is this important friend?" Evelyn asked curiously, marveling at the ethereal beauty around them.

She couldn't imagine anyone warranting such an elaborate journey...