Chapter 141

The steel in Maxwell's voice left no room for doubt—he wasn't joking.

Evelyn's entire body broke out in a cold sweat under his piercing gaze.

"You took my grandfather?" she choked out.

Maxwell studied her panicked, hate-filled eyes. "Obviously. Who else would sneak an old man away?"

Their eyes locked in a silent battle.

Tears spilled as Evelyn lashed out like a wild animal, desperate to escape. "You vile, disgusting criminal! Kidnapping is a felony!"

His large hands clamped around her fragile frame, stopping her flailing limbs. "What do you know about felonies, little girl? You're barely out of diapers."

When she finally stilled, he shoved his phone in her face.

A video played.

The angle suggested a hidden camera, but the subjects were clear—Maxwell and her grandfather, chatting like family.

"Grandpa, Evie didn’t want you knowing she collapsed from exhaustion. Play along when she wakes up, okay?" Maxwell grinned, hoisting the old man’s suitcase.

Her grandfather nodded gratefully before leaving with him.

The neighborhood CCTV had conveniently malfunctioned—no footage existed of the abduction.

Another video loaded.

Her grandfather gagged and tied to a pole. A thug slammed an iron rod beside his head—the deafening clang made the old man whimper.

Evelyn's hands flew to her mouth. "I'm calling the police—"

"Go ahead." Maxwell smirked, checking his watch. "It's 5:10 PM."

Before she could react, he hurled his phone onto the road. A truck crushed it instantly.

"No evidence, no crime," he said, releasing her. "Almost six o’clock. Choose: collect Grandpa’s corpse… or marry me."

He turned to leave.

Evelyn grabbed his sleeve. "What about the law?"

Maxwell chuckled. "Laws are made by men. And I haven’t technically killed anyone… yet." His smile turned feral. "But are you willing to bet Grandpa’s life on that?"

"You’re a monster."

"Worse exist." His gaze darkened. "5:20 PM. Decide." He seized her trembling hand.

Blackwood Enterprises

Dominic exited his office, dialing Evelyn as his Range Rover left the garage.

"The number you have dialed is unavailable—"

He tried Sebastian instead.

"Sir, Ms. Sinclair never returned to her apartment."

"Break down the door. Call me back."

He hung up, speeding toward Alexander and Isabella’s extracurricular class.

The Grand Marquis Hotel

Frederick Lockwood greeted last-minute guests, shooting his wife a look. "Did it have to be tonight?"

Eleanor Lockwood beamed. "Our son is finally marrying. I couldn’t wait!"

Nearby, Beatrice Lockwood embraced her sister-in-law. "I missed Maxwell’s prison-release party, but a wedding? Perfect timing!"

Eleanor’s smile turned smug. "Funny how he proposed right after you scolded him for being single at thirty."

Beatrice bit her tongue as Frederick pulled her aside. "Where’s Dominic?"

Before she could answer, tiny voices echoed through the hall.

"Great-Uncle!"

Alexander and Isabella sprinted in, stealing the spotlight.

Hotel Lobby

Maxwell strode inside, marriage certificates in one hand, Evelyn’s limp wrist in the other.

The elevator doors closed.

"Cheer up," he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Grandpa’s safe at the hospital. After dinner, I’ll take you to him."

The doors opened.

He dragged her toward the private hall, icy air blasting them as the doors swung wide.

Before Evelyn could process the sea of faces, Maxwell slammed the certificates onto the table and announced:

"Meet my wife—Evelyn Sinclair."