Chapter 327

"This isn't authentic. I got a knockoff." Evelyn took three quick steps back. She never liked being too close to strangers.

She hadn't realized her scarf was designer.

Dominic had given it to her when she was cold. The cashmere felt feather-light yet warm, impossibly soft against her skin. She'd accepted it without thinking.

Had she known its true value, she would have refused immediately.

Miranda Lockwood smirked. "Obviously. Look at the rest of your outfit - bargain bin specials. Hermès is fashion royalty. Even I can't get my hands on their pieces, and I shop luxury weekly."

"Enough, Miranda!" Maxwell's voice turned sharp.

The short-haired woman sulked but muttered under her breath, "Stupid cousin. Just wait till I tell Aunt Lorraine..."

Maxwell ignored her. His gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.

When Miranda had unwrapped the scarf earlier, the love bite on Evelyn's neck had been unmistakable.

His vision blurred red with barely controlled rage.

That mark was Dominic's claim. A brutal reminder that Evelyn was no longer his.

Yet letting go wasn't an option.

The pain was excruciating.

Evelyn frowned at Maxwell's devastated expression. She moved to walk past him toward the mall entrance.

Maxwell seized her wrist. "Five minutes. That's all I ask."

"There's nothing left to say, Maxwell. We're strangers now. Dominic has... possessive tendencies. His temper isn't something you want to provoke again."

"Has he promised to marry you? Set a date? Men's promises vanish like morning mist until proven by action. Don't be fooled."

Evelyn laughed lightly. "What if I want to be fooled?"

Even in her simple wool dress, her curves were undeniable.

Maxwell's shoulders slumped.

'She's gone mad. Willingly deceived.'

He had no right to advise her. But surrender wasn't in his nature.

"Anything else, Mr. Lockwood?" Evelyn asked coolly. "If not, I'll be going."

"I never meant to hurt you. Can you forgive me?"

His desperation had driven him to use underhanded methods. Now those very actions had pushed her away.

"that chapter's closed."

Evelyn still couldn't comprehend his obsession.

Some mysteries weren't worth solving. She'd been a fleeting moment in his life. The past held no weight now.

An awkward silence fell over the parking lot.

Evelyn exhaled. "I'm leaving."

Maxwell watched her slender figure retreat until Miranda stomped into view.

"Pathetic," she sneered, crossing her arms. "Your taste in women is atrocious. I expected some glamorous socialite, not that plain little mouse. Have you gone blind? She's clearly a gold-digging—"

"Get lost!" Maxwell shoved her aside and slammed his car door.

Miranda pounded on the window. "Aunt Lorraine said you're taking me shopping! You can't abandon me here! Open this—"

The engine roared to life. Tires screeched as Maxwell sped away.

Miranda kicked the pavement viciously.

After mentally cursing him, she dialed a number. "Yvette? It's Miranda. I'm back. Meet me at XX Mall immediately. I'll buy you two outfits. Hurry up!"

Meanwhile, Abigail played with children under a Christmas tree. She spotted Evelyn approaching, cheeks flushed from cold.

They grabbed vanilla chai lattes at a nearby café.

Evelyn cradled the warm cup gratefully. "Thanks, Abby."

"Maxwell didn't cause trouble, did he?"

To Abigail, Maxwell was nothing but a thug.

Knowing Evelyn was Dominic's woman, he'd still tried to steal her. His actions disgusted her.

"No. We're strangers now." Evelyn sipped her drink. "Perfect for winter. If I were a man, I'd marry you for this."

Abigail chuckled at the childish remark.

Evelyn was so different from the serious designer at work.

"Let's shop for clothes," Abigail urged, leading her into the mall. "You need more variety. I always see you recycling the same three outfits..."

"Just an evening gown today."

Abigail sighed. "This isn't the Dark Ages. Women should dress beautifully. Look at Vivienne - new designer pieces daily. You're gorgeous, but presentation matters. What if some vixen steals Dominic's eye?"

Evelyn smiled. If Dominic were that fickle, she'd never have chosen him.

They browsed until finding a luxury boutique with exquisite evening wear.

Evelyn's fingers brushed a stunning sapphire gown.

Another hand grabbed it simultaneously.

She looked up—and froze.

Lillian Prescott smirked back at her.