Chapter 224

Evelyn strode toward the elevator, where Maxwell was already waiting impatiently.

Maxwell didn't even spare her a glance. His eyes scanned the area, searching for someone who wasn't there.

"Where is she?" His voice was sharp as a blade.

The icy glare he shot Evelyn conveyed an unspoken threat: "You'll regret it if this is another lie."

"She left. I didn't stop her." Evelyn swallowed hard. "I think I saw her purchasing... intimate items."

Intimate items?

Maxwell's gaze swept across the luxury mall. Every store here specialized in lingerie, but was there something more scandalous available?

The Evelyn he knew would never dare buy such things.

"Check for yourself if you don't believe me." Evelyn led him toward the boutique.

At the high-end lingerie shop, Evelyn approached the sales associate. "Could you describe what the beautiful lady bought earlier?"

"Several lingerie sets," the clerk answered brightly.

Of course - this store sold nothing but lingerie. No secrets there.

"May I see the designs? I'm considering purchasing similar pieces," Evelyn pressed.

The clerk guided them to the display. Maxwell watched as three sets were presented.

The first two were already provocative enough.

The third set made Maxwell's blood boil. Sheer black fabric barely qualified as clothing.

Evelyn traced a finger over the scandalous garment. "Is this... even wearable?"

"Our bestseller this season," the clerk chirped, oblivious to Maxwell's identity. "Ultra-soft fabric that protects while revealing. Perfect for spicing up marital relations."

Maxwell's jaw clenched. Who was Evelyn buying this for?

When Evelyn reached for her wallet to purchase a set, Maxwell spat out two venomous words: "Disgusting slut!"

Evelyn froze. "Maxwell, where—"

But he was already storming out. She hastily returned the lingerie and chased after him.

As she followed, a thought nagged at her: Had that insult been meant for Evelyn?

Exiting the parking garage, Maxwell spotted Evelyn waiting at a bus stop.

That slender figure should have blended into the crowd, yet his eyes locked onto her instantly.

Evelyn noticed Maxwell's focus and panicked. Evelyn carried no shopping bags.

Earlier, she'd seen a well-dressed woman drag Evelyn into the lingerie store. They'd left empty-handed, though the other woman had remained at the register.

Had Evelyn not received the purchased items?

When Maxwell pulled his Porsche up to the bus stop, blocking it entirely, irritated commuters glared.

Evelyn was among those who turned—and nearly fainted when she saw Maxwell emerge.

He slammed the car door, seized her wrist, and dragged her away with murder in his eyes.

"Let go! Have you lost your mind?" Evelyn stumbled, grabbing the bus stop pole with her free hand.

Maxwell's glacial stare pierced her. "We're going home. Isn't this what you wanted? Your precious divorce papers?"

Evelyn knew better than to trust him.

She shook her head violently. "My lawyer will handle the divorce. I won't fall for your tricks again."

Last time, he'd kidnapped her grandfather to force the marriage. Who knew what he'd do now?

Even if he promised divorce, it was surely a trap.

Sophia exited the car just in time to hear the word "divorce." A spark ignited in her cold heart.

"Where else would you go, dressed like a saint but acting like a whore?" Maxwell's gaze raked over Evelyn. "Even if you are one, I'll be the first to sample your wares."

Noticing Evelyn's lack of shopping bags, he grabbed her purse instead.

Inside were only IDs and bank cards. As bystanders watched, they wrestled for the bag.

"Stop it, Maxwell Lockwood!" Evelyn clung desperately to her belongings.

Maxwell sneered. "Stop? So you can meet your lover with those filthy things?"

Evelyn had no idea what he meant.

He upended the purse, scattering its contents across the pavement.

Nothing scandalous—just ordinary items.

Maxwell looked stunned.

Evelyn snatched back her purse and crouched to collect her things.

"Miss! The bus is coming!" Two middle-aged women yanked Evelyn to safety just as the bus screeched to a halt.

They shot Maxwell disgusted looks before paying Evelyn's fare and ushering her aboard.

As the bus pulled away, Sophia shrank into the shadows, silent.