Chapter 269

Evelyn's suspicions deepened with every step toward the room.

Her pulse raced despite her attempts to remain composed.

Two sharp knocks echoed through the door before a familiar male voice growled, "Enter."

The moment she pushed open the door, acrid cigarette smoke assaulted her senses, tightening the knot in her stomach.

Her eyes darted around the empty space. No sign of Olivia. Just as she turned to leave, an iron grip yanked her backward. The door slammed shut with finality.

Her heart stopped when she saw Maxwell.

"Did you send that text from Olivia's phone?" Evelyn demanded, fury lacing every word. "What game are you playing?"

Maxwell's laughter sent chills down her spine. He seized her chin, forcing their faces closer.

Evelyn reacted instantly - her palm flew toward his face, but he caught her wrist effortlessly.

His gaze raked over her body appreciatively. His thumb traced slow circles on her inner wrist, making her skin crawl.

When she raised her other arm, he tsked disapprovingly.

"Must you always be so violent?" His finger pressed against her lips. "Behave. Aren't you curious about your dear friend's whereabouts? Cooperate, and I might share... details."

Evelyn glared through her disgust. "Do you enjoy prison that much?"

His sneer didn't waver. Ignoring her threat, he leaned in again.

She twisted away. Maxwell's grip turned vicious, fingers digging into her jawbone.

Though physically overpowered, Evelyn refused to beg. Her eyes burned with hatred. "Leave Olivia out of this. She's innocent."

Maxwell's laughter turned dark. "Your choice - spread your legs or watch something unpleasant happen to your friend."

"You're sick!" Her entire body trembled.

He forced her chin up, their gazes locked in silent battle.

"Still playing the chaste widow?" he mocked. "How many times has Dominic had you? I'm your lawful husband - those rights belong to me."

His expression turned feral, fingers tightening dangerously.

Evelyn spat in his face.

In retaliation, his mouth crashed against hers - brutal, punishing. When she tried to bite, he pulled back abruptly.

She scrubbed her lips raw.

Without warning, he hurled her onto the massive bed. Before she could react, his weight pinned her down.

Her screams filled the room. "This is rape! I'll have you arrested!"

Maxwell inhaled her scent greedily. "Three years married. About time you acted like a wife."

"We're getting divorced! Dominic will destroy you!" The words slipped out before she could stop them.

His entire body tensed. "Dominic?" The name dripped venom. "That thief stole what was mine!"

Fabric tore as he ripped at her clothes. "Mention divorce again, and I'll snap your pretty neck."

Evelyn fought like a wildcat - scratching, kicking, biting. But his strength overwhelmed her.

As his fingers traced her collarbone, she went terrifyingly still.

Tears carved paths through her makeup. The hatred in her eyes extinguished his arousal.

Disgusted, he rolled away and lit a cigarette. The silence stretched as smoke curled between them.

Finally, he tossed his phone at her. "Your precious friend."

The screen showed Olivia gagged and terrified, surrounded by leering men. Her clothes hung in tatters.

Evelyn's scream lodged in her throat. The phone clattered to the floor.

"You're a monster." The words came out strangled.

Maxwell merely smirked and took another drag.