Chapter 16
Evelyn’s ’s POV
I felt Rowan trembling in my arms. His little body tensed as his father’s words, and my protective instincts flared instantly.
“Calvin,” I said coldly, barely containing my anger, “adult matters should stay between adults. Leave the children out of this p>
The tall, imposing figure of my ex-mate stared at me with piercing eyes that matched the chill in his voice.
Even in the blazing sunlight, dressed all in black, he exuded the intimidating presence of an Alpha. three years apart hadn’t changed that.
“I allow you video calls with the children regularly, Evelyn. Isn’t that enough?” His deep voice carried across the parking lot. “What gives you the right to turn my son against me? You were the one who asked for rejection. You abandoned our children first. How dare you come back now demanding them p>
Before I could respond, Clara stepped forward, her fake sweet voice grating on my nerves.
“Evelyn, your words are truly heartbreaking!” Her eyes filled with tears. “Do you have any idea what Calvin has been through these past three years? Working all day, caring for Rowan and Rhys all night? He’s ended up in the hospital from exhaustion several times p>
She sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. “If you don’t care about his suffering, I do! Please, for everyone’s sake, stay away from Calvin and the children from now on p>
Clara reached for Rowan, but I shifted my body, blocking her. My son tightened his grip around my neck, his distress palpable.
Then Clara turned her attention to my son, her voice honeyed with manipulation. “Rowan, sweetie, before we got out of the car, you were so excited to play with Auntie Clara. Then you saw your mother and suddenly you’re ignoring me. Are you afraid she’ll think you’ve betrayed her p>
“That’s not true! My mom isn’t like that!” Rowan’s voice rose in defense of me, and my heart swelled with love for my brave little wolf.
Clara feigned hurt, tears streaming down her face. “Rowan, are you yelling at me? You were never this impolite before. Have you forgotten how good I’ve been to you these past three years p>
I could see Rowan struggling to explain himself, growing more upset by the second. Finally, he buried his face against my neck and cried, “Mom p>
The wetness of his tears unleashed a fury I could barely contain.
“Enough, Clara!” I snarled. “You want Calvin? Take him. I’ve moved on p>
I couldn’t stop myself from continuing. “But if you want children so badly, why not have your own? Is Calvin unwilling to give you any? Or are you simply incapable of bearing them? Or do you just prefer stealing another woman’s mate and children she carried for seven months p>
Clara’s face paled. “Evelyn, how could you say such things? I’ve treated Rowan and Rhys as my own for three years p>
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Calvin’s jaw tighten, a flicker of pain crossing his face before he masked it with a self-deprecating smile. But I was too angry to care about his feelings anymore.
Clara didn’t miss his reaction, though. I saw panic flash across her features as she gripped her skirt tightly. Suddenly, she swooned to one side.
What happened next made my blood run cold. Clara kept her eyes on my little Alexis. She slowly reached out her claws toward my daughter’s arm. She was trying to make me lose control.
But Rowan saw it first. “Don’t hurt my sister!” he shouted, pushing her away.
I quickly pulled Alexis into my arms, checking for injuries.
My baby girl began crying immediately. “Mommy, scared,” she whimpered, her sweet face flushed with tears.
Seeing his sister upset made Rowan cry harder too. I balanced Alexis in one arm while wiping Rowan’s tears with my free hand.
“It’s okay, Alexis. Mommy’s here. Don’t cry, Rowan. Your sister is fine p>
The commotion attracted attention from inside the building. Astrid, unable to reach me by phone, came rushing out with her security team.
I had just managed to calm Rowan when Calvin stepped forward, his face stern.
“Rowan, who taught you to push people?” he demanded.
I looked up at Calvin in disbelief. How could he say such a thing? How could he not see what was happening right in front of him? His expression remained cold as our eyes met, and I laughed bitterly.
Perfect. Just perfect. three years ago or now, whether it was his mate or his son, everyone had to yield to Clara Whitmore.
If we didn’t resolve this today, the wound in Rowan’s heart would never heal.
I kissed Alexis’s cheek and handed her to Astrid, then crouched down to lift Rowan into my arms. Still hurt by his father’s words, he readily buried his face against my shoulder.
I exchanged a glance with Astrid, who nodded in understanding. We simultaneously covered the children’s ears.
“Calvin, what kind of debt do you owe Clara? Some ancient favor?” I snapped. “You made me say sorry before, and now you want our son to do the same. Is groveling to her some kind of requirement for your relationship p>
Calvin hadn’t seen Clara trying to hurt Alexis; he’d only caught Rowan shoving her. His eyes grew cold and dark. “No child from the Bloodbane Pack acts out without reason,” he said sharply. “You’re setting a bad example for him. Don’t you think this is your fault p>
My ears rang while a strange numb feeling spread through my chest.
Looking at his cold, handsome face, I realized our five years together had been nothing but a cruel joke.
“Yes, I made a mistake,” I replied, my eyes locked onto his face.If the children weren’t present, I might have slapped him. “My biggest mistake in life was marrying you, Calvin Wolfe p>
Seeing the hurt in my eyes, Calvin’s throat worked as though something was caught in it.His pale fingers curled into tight fists as he visibly struggled to control his emotions.
“You didn’t even ask what happened before accusing your child,” I continued. “Is this what being a father means to you? How will he ever trust parents if you behave this way p>
Calvin’s expression softened slightly as he looked at his son’s tear-streaked face. He extended his hand slowly. “Rowan, Dad isn’t angry with you, but you shouldn’t push people without reason. Apologize to Auntie Clara, and then Dad will take you to play p>
I moved away from his extended hand, my voice dripping with disdain. “Calvin, for someone running Wolfe Haven International, your judgment is surprisingly poor. I won’t waste time explaining how foolish you’re being p>
Then I turned to Clara, letting my contempt show in my gaze. “Ah, now I understand. Spend enough time around someone as deceitful as her, and losing your senses becomes inevitable p>
Usually, no matter how difficult a business partner, Calvin maintained his composure—cold and calculating like a machine without emotions. But now, I had effortlessly ignited his fury.
“Evelyn!” His voice boomed through the room.
I met his gaze without flinching, my eyes filled with contempt. “What p>
I had believed he would at least show true care for our son. But watching him openly take Clara’s side even in my presence, I could only imagine what happened when I wasn’t there to witness it.
I shut my eyes for a moment to gather my strength.
“You’re right about something, Calvin,” I said at last. “Children should be free to choose between their mother and father. Let’s give them that option p>