Chapter 270

Evelyn's hands shook with barely contained fury. She clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms, forcing herself to breathe through the rage.

"Leave innocent people out of this, Maxwell. Olivia has nothing to do with our problems. Let her go."

Her voice trembled despite her efforts to remain composed.

Maxwell crushed his cigarette in the ashtray, his cold gaze locking onto hers. "Simple solution, Evelyn. Withdraw the divorce petition."

"You're despicable!" The words tore from her throat.

Maxwell merely smirked. "You knew what kind of man I was when you married me. I always get what I want."

He leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "That man in the video? Preston Worthington Jr. of the Worthington empire. Vicious temper, especially when humiliated. Your dear friend kicked him while he was drunk. Imagine what he'll do when he sobers up."

Evelyn's blood ran cold.

"I happen to be close with Preston," Maxwell continued. "One word from me could determine whether your friend walks away with bruises... or in a body bag. Your choice."

Her throat constricted. "Anything but canceling the divorce. Name your price."

Maxwell's fingers traced her collarbone, making her skin crawl. "My price? You. Right here, right now."

Evelyn recoiled as if burned.

He grabbed her wrist, pulling her against him. "No need to rush the divorce. You'll remain my wife until I say otherwise. That's your destiny."

"This is madness!" Evelyn wrenched free. "A loveless marriage is like holding water in your hands - no matter how tight you grip, it slips away. Why chain us both to this misery?"

"Because I enjoy watching you struggle," Maxwell purred. "Your resistance makes the eventual surrender sweeter."

"You're sick! Life's too short to waste on someone who'll never love you!"

His grip tightened. "I'll make you love me."

"Never!" She spat the word like poison.

Maxwell's expression darkened. He seized her chin. "Then say goodbye to Olivia. Permanently."

Defeat crashed over Evelyn like a tidal wave. Her chest ached with suppressed sobs. Each breath felt like inhaling shards of glass.

She was drowning, dragged deeper into this nightmare with no lifeline in sight.

Her heart pounded - the only proof she still lived.

What could she possibly do?

Meanwhile, the twins had dressed themselves and curled up on the sofa watching cartoons. They'd found their mother's note about running errands and behaved like perfect little adults.

The doorbell chimed.

"Is that Mommy?" Isabella asked, her sleep-tousled hair sticking up in adorable tufts.

Alexander dragged a stool to the door and peered through the peephole. "It's Uncle Victor!"

He opened the door after confirming the visitor's identity - just as their mother had taught them.

Victor Langley stepped inside, immediately engulfed by a tiny tornado named Isabella. "Uncle Victor!"

"You're getting too heavy for me, little princess," Victor teased, hefting the giggling girl.

Isabella pouted. "Mommy's cooking is too yummy!"

Victor smiled. Evelyn had brought light back into these children's lives. Where they'd once been solemn beyond their years, now they glowed with childish joy.

"Did you bring presents?" Isabella blinked up at him with Dominic Blackwood's trademark calculating gaze.

Victor pretended to think. "Hmm... I might have forgotten..."

The pout returned full force - until he produced a glittering tiara from his pocket.

Isabella squealed and raced to admire her new treasure.

Victor turned to the quiet boy still seated like a miniature gentleman. "Brought you something from Canada," he said, handing Alexander an intricate puzzle. "Where's Miss Evelyn?"

Before Alexander could answer, the door swung open.

Evelyn stood there, her face ashen...