Chapter 257: The Intruder

Evan paced the dimly lit room, his mind a whirlwind of anxiety and dread. The weight of the blackmail hung heavy on his shoulders, a constant reminder of the dangerous game he found himself entangled in. He glanced at the clock, its hands ticking away the precious moments he could never seem to grasp tightly enough. Natalie, his beloved wife, was in the next room, caring for their newborn baby. The thought of her and their child brought a bittersweet warmth to his heart, a flicker of solace in the midst of his worries. It was their child because he wanted it that way. He wanted Natalie in his life, and he didn’t mind raising her son as his. He wanted a family with her. Yet, he couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at him from within. He was keeping secrets from her, hiding the truth to shield her from harm. But in doing so, he feared he was only driving a deeper wedge between them. He had always prided himself on being a protector, someone who would go to any lengths to k