Chapter 278

Dominic strode toward the parking lot with Evelyn cradled in his arms.

She lay limp against his chest, bundled in his coat with only her flushed face visible. Through the parted fabric, she glimpsed his chiseled features darkened by fury.

His expression was icier than the winter wind outside, making her shiver uncontrollably.

Evelyn's skin burned unnaturally red. She squirmed in his embrace, her movements desperate.

"Dominic..." Her voice cracked like shattered glass.

All pretense of strength had crumbled the moment she saw him.

Tears spilled without warning. She didn't understand why his presence unraveled her, only that she couldn't stop.

The fire inside her contrasted violently with the freezing night air.

Dominic's stormy expression twisted her stomach into knots of unease and hurt...

He marched forward without glancing down, his grip tightening with each step. She could feel his anger building like thunderclouds.

Sebastian opened the car door when they arrived. "Mr. Blackwood, hospital or Ms. Sinclair's residence?"

"I want to go home." Tears streaked Evelyn's cheeks when Dominic remained silent.

His jaw clenched. "Earlston."

The luxury hotel under T Corporation's umbrella.

At nearly 2 AM, Sebastian made record time through empty streets.

Evelyn drifted between consciousness, the drug's effects torturing her. She writhed against Dominic, her body seeking friction against his.

Though not herself, she remained devastatingly alluring. Her scorching skin reminded Dominic exactly what poison ran through her veins.

The memory of Maxwell's vile intentions made his vision swim with rage.

'This reckless woman.'

'She knew Maxwell was dangerous yet walked right into his trap.'

'If I'd been minutes later...'

The thought of Maxwell violating what was his made Dominic's blood boil.

The hotel manager rushed to greet them, eyes widening at the sight of Dominic carrying a woman. Wisely, she held her tongue.

When Dominic dismissed her with a sharp gesture, she retreated instantly.

"Let me go..." Evelyn's hoarse plea barely escaped her parched lips. The drug's torment threatened to consume her.

"Scared now? Too late." Dominic bit her earlobe hard enough to bruise.

His scent flooded her senses. She inhaled greedily, as if he could extinguish the fire within.

Noticing her unconscious reaction, Dominic's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Look at you. I should film this and play it back when you're sober..."

His mockery stung. Evelyn turned away, fresh tears mixing with sweat as agony overwhelmed her.

How could she explain she'd had no choice?

With Nina's life at stake and his phone switched off, what alternative remained?

Dominic mistook her avoidance for guilt. Emotions warred within him.

His smile turned glacial. "Am I not enough for you? A few days apart and you're desperate for another man's bed? I never took you for a whore."

Each word stabbed deeper than any blade. The unfair accusation made her tremble violently.

She met his gaze, disbelief warring with betrayal.

His forehead veins bulged with fury. "Is that what you think of me?" Her voice broke.

In twenty-four years, Dominic had been her only love.

He'd been the starlight piercing her darkness since childhood, planting confidence where insecurity festered.

Every glance, every word from him had become her addiction.

She knew he'd ruin her, yet loved him still.

Now the man she adored spat such venom. Pain crashed over her like a tidal wave.

Masking her anguish, she held his gaze. "Think what you will, but the truth isn't what you imagine."

Dominic's sinister smile widened. His dark eyes gleamed with cruel amusement at her distress.

Leaning close, his breath scorched her ear. "Oh? I saw you beneath Maxwell with my own eyes. Did you enjoy his attention?"

His words branded her soul.

If swords could kill, a loved one's cruel doubt struck deeper.

The drug's fever warped her mind. Humiliation burned hotter than the heat between her thighs as his accusations crushed her spirit.

She fought like a wild thing, fists pounding uselessly against his chest. "Release me! If you believe such lies, why bother? Whatever happens to me is none of your concern!"

Her scream held lifetimes of despair.

The joy of his timely rescue had drowned in this sea of misunderstanding.

Fire within and ice without assaulted her senses. Each struggle only pressed her burning skin tighter against him, driving her closer to madness.

Ding!

The elevator doors parted.

Dominic carried his sobbing, thrashing burden inside without hesitation.

He held her close despite her protests, his expression that of a conqueror claiming spoils...