Chapter 323

Monday, 10 am, in front of the Civil Registry Office.

Evelyn Sinclair never imagined Maxwell Lockwood would actually call her.

His message was brief: meet him at the Civil Registry Office. He was ready to sign the divorce papers.

At first, she thought it was a cruel joke.

She had braced herself for a prolonged legal battle—months, maybe years of fighting to dissolve their marriage.

Yet here he was, surrendering without resistance.

Evelyn knew her erratic attendance at work was raising eyebrows. Another unplanned absence would fuel office gossip.

But freedom was worth the risk.

She requested emergency leave and rushed to the government building.

Standing at the intersection, she checked her phone for the tenth time. The clock was ticking.

Was Maxwell going to stand her up?

Just as she reached for her phone, she spotted him.

The man moved through the crowd like a predator, effortlessly commanding attention. Women turned their heads, lips curving into hopeful smiles as he passed.

Evelyn rolled her eyes.

They only saw the chiseled jawline and expensive suit. They didn’t see the monster beneath.

A chill ran down her spine as he approached.

Her muscles locked. Memories of that night flooded back—his hands around her throat, his breath hot against her ear.

Maxwell’s gaze swept over her, lingering.

She was still breathtaking. Frost clung to her long lashes, making them shimmer like winter crystals. The sight punched the air from his lungs.

He’d convinced himself he was over her.

One glance proved that a lie.

If she’d just shown him a fraction of the warmth she reserved for Dominic Blackwood, he would’ve burned the world for her.

Prison be damned.

Evelyn’s voice shattered the fantasy. "Since you’re here, let’s get this over with."

His fingers closed around her wrist. "You’re that eager to run to Dominic?"

"Let go!" She tried twisting free, but he yanked her against his chest.

His breath was ragged. "Tell me you never loved me. Say it, and I’ll walk away."

She shoved at him. "We’re done, Maxwell. You’ll find someone better suited to—"

His expression darkened.

He couldn’t stomach those words.

His thumb traced her cheekbone. Such beauty, yet her eyes held only contempt.

He’d defied his family for her. Given up everything.

And still, her heart remained frozen.

Evelyn drove her stiletto into his foot. "Sign the papers, or I’ll see you in court. Your choice."

The pain was nothing compared to the ache in his chest.

He released her. "Fine. Let’s end this."

Maxwell strode toward the building, shoulders rigid.

Evelyn hesitated, then followed.

Inside, the divorce queue outnumbered the marriage line.

A middle-aged couple argued at the counter. The husband—paunchy, balding—slammed his fist on the desk.

"I want a divorce! Do I need a damn reason? Look at her—no makeup, frumpy clothes. Embarrassing!"

The woman—wrinkled, graying—shook with rage. "I married you when you couldn’t afford meat! And now you bring your mistress into our home?"

He struck her.

She collapsed, wailing curses as onlookers gawked.

Evelyn’s nails bit into her palms.

This was why she’d never depend on a man.

Even if she married Dominic, her career would remain hers. No compromises. No surrender.