From Ordinary to Unstoppable

Chapter 3

Meanwhile, Evan Calder had already settled into the back seat of a Rolls‑Royce, the city lights sliding past the tinted windows as the car headed toward San Aurelia General Hospital.

His phone buzzed.

Madeline.

Evan glanced at the screen, expression unreadable. With their relationship over, he saw no reason to answer.

The call dropped.

Then rang again.

He sighed and picked up.

“Evan, listen to me. Turn yourself in immediately!” Madeline’s voice burst through the speaker, sharp and urgent, catching him off guard.

“The King of Diamonds is worth 7.5 million dollars,” she continued without pause.

“Have you lost your mind? I know you did this to make me happy, but did you even think about the consequences?” Her tone hardened with what she clearly believed was righteousness. “Turn yourself in now—while there’s still time. Don’t worry. With the company’s influence in the city, I’ll do my best to keep you out of jail.”

Disappointment laced every word.

Evan finally understood.

She thought he had stolen it.

“You’ve got it wrong,” he said calmly. “I didn’t steal the diamond.”

He didn’t bother explaining further.

The accusation still left a chill in his chest.

“Madeline,” he continued, voice low, restrained, “is that really what you think of me?” A brief pause. “You trust someone like Dante… over me?”

There was silence on the line.

When she spoke again, her voice had softened just slightly.

“I’m sorry if I hurt your pride,” she said. “But this isn’t a joke, Evan. The owner of Montclair Jewelers is someone even I’m cautious around. Don’t you understand?” Anxiety slipped through her composure. “I can’t protect you from this.”

Evan couldn’t help but scoff at her misplaced confidence.

His voice dropped, icy and distant. “Even now, you still believe I stole it. Fine. If that’s what you want to think, go ahead.” A brief pause. “Call the police. Tip them off. I’m not afraid.”

“Evan, why are you being so—”

The line went dead.

Madeline stared at her phone, frozen, lips parted in disbelief.

The Evan she knew would never have hung up on her. Never spoken like that.

Never rejected what she saw as help.

For a moment, irritation flared.

Then pride followed.

“So you’ve finally shown your true colors,” she murmured coldly. “Stubborn. Ungrateful.” She exhaled sharply. “I was foolish to care. Our relationship is over anyway. Do whatever you want—I won’t interfere again.”

Saying it out loud made her feel… lighter.

As if calling off the wedding had spared her from a terrible mistake.

“I told you, Madeline,” Dante chimed in smoothly, venom hidden beneath a smile. “That guy’s nothing but a thief.” He shook his head. “It’s a good thing you ended it. Who knows how badly he might’ve dragged you down.”

Madeline frowned.

For once, Dante’s voice grated on her nerves. She pushed the discomfort aside and changed the subject.

“Dante,” she asked coolly, “what brings you to Stevens‑Halston today?”

He winced slightly, touching his swollen cheek, pain flashing across his face before he masked it.

“You don’t remember?” he said. “Tonight’s the fundraiser for BrightHaven Children’s Home—the orphanage in South City.”

His expression turned serious.

“A lot of powerful players have their eyes on that land. Once donations start flowing, the real game begins.” He leaned closer. “We need to be prepared.”

At the mention of business, Madeline snapped fully back into her role as CEO.

“You’re right,” she said crisply. “The SilverWillow Children’s Haven— sits on extremely valuable land. We must secure it.”

Dante’s eyes gleamed. He seized the opening immediately.

“I knew you wouldn’t let this slip,” he said eagerly. “My family is ready to support Stevens‑Halston in full. Once our forces combine, this deal is practically sealed.”

Madeline smiled—measured, professional.

“Thank you, Dante. That’s very generous. Of course, we’ll return the favor to the Riven family in due time.”

Encouraged, Dante brightened.

“Oh—Madeline, I brought you something.” 

He lifted the bouquet. “Blue roses. Your favorite. They suit you perfectly.”

He stopped.

The flowers were crushed, petals smeared and wilted, stained during the earlier scuffle.

Embarrassment flickered across his face.

Before he could recover, Vivian swept in smoothly. “Oh, don’t fuss over it. Just a few damaged petals.” She laughed lightly.

“If Madeline doesn’t want them, I’ll gladly take them. It’s been ages since anyone gave me flowers.”

Dante’s smile stiffened.

Inside, he cursed Evan Calder all over again, his resentment hardening into something vicious.

I’ll make you pay, he swore silently.

Meanwhile, outside San Aurelia General Hospital, a black Rolls‑Royce glided to a halt.

The driver stepped out and opened the door with practiced precision.

“Mr. Calder,” he said respectfully. “Should I take care of this?” His voice lowered, sharp with confidence. “One word from you, and Stevens‑Halston collapses by morning. They’ll disappear from the city without a trace. Worthless scum.”

This was Marcus Hale—the man the financial world whispered about. Former street wolf. Now the urrent king of capital.

Evan Calder remained seated, calm, composed.

“My relationship with Madeline is over,” he said evenly. “But I don’t deal in petty revenge.” He glanced at Marcus. “That’s beneath us.”

Marcus chuckled. “As you say, sir.”

Evan stepped out of the car, then paused.

“By the way, Marcus—you’re officially the wealthiest man in the city now. Try shedding some of those street habits.” His tone was faintly amused. “You don’t need to curse every other sentence.”

Marcus scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. “I’ll work on it, Mr. Calder. But reaching your level of class?” He laughed. “That’s going to take a lifetime.”

Evan shook his head, exasperated by Marcus’s antics, then stepped out of the Rolls‑Royce as the driver opened the door with precision. Without pause, he strode toward the entrance of San Aurelia General Hospital—his workplace, where he was a respected doctor.

Passersby froze as they caught sight of the scene. Whispers spread like wildfire.

“Wait… is that Marcus Hale getting out of that car? The richest man in the city?”

“No way! The wealthiest man is playing chauffeur? Who’s that young guy stepping out?”

“He looks familiar… isn’t that Dr. Calder from City General?”

“Get real! A mere hospital doctor wouldn’t have Marcus opening doors for him. Must be some big shot’s son we don’t know about.”

“Exactly! Since Marcus practically rules this city, whoever that is must be someone incredibly powerful… and not from around here.”

Evan didn’t notice the stares. He moved with calm purpose, shedding his suit and changing into his crisp white coat. Every motion precise, every step deliberate.

As he adjusted his coat, a colleague approached—a sly grin tugging at his lips.

“Well, well, Dr. Calder,” Dr. Jasper Lin said, voice dripping with mockery. “Word on the street is that Madeline dumped you.”

Evan didn’t flinch. He glanced up, calm and unreadable, as though the gossip barely grazed him.

Evan frowned, momentarily wondering how news of his breakup had spread so quickly.

His colleague, sensing his distraction, leaned in with a grin that had grown sharper by the second.

“Oh, you haven’t heard? The company just dropped a bombshell,” Dr. Jasper Lin said, eyes glinting. “Announcing her union with Marcus Hale. They’re practically telling the world you’ve been kicked to the curb, Dr. Calder. No offense—I’m just calling it like I see it!”

Evan’s gaze remained cool, impassive.

“I appreciate your… honesty,” he said evenly. “Now, let me be clear: if you’re done talking, would you kindly get lost?”

Jasper’s smirk faltered. His face darkened.

“Listen here, Calder,” he snapped, voice low and dangerous. “When you were with Madeline, no one dared to go against you. But her protection? That’s gone now. Without her backing, you’re nothing in this hospital. You get that, right?”

Evan raised an eyebrow, unbothered. “Is that what this is about, Jasper? Or are you just jealous?”

Caught off guard, Jasper’s face flushed crimson. Envy, pure and bitter, had always simmered beneath his words. He couldn’t understand what Madeline saw in this quiet, composed man who seemed untouchable no matter the circumstances.

Before either could speak again, a sudden commotion erupted down the hallway.

Black suits barreled through, shoving aside nurses and patients alike.

“Excuse us! Coming through!”

One shouted over the others, urgency in every syllable.

“We need the best doctor in this hospital. Ms. Madeline Stevens is requesting immediate assistance!”

Evan’s eyes narrowed slightly, calm and unreadable.