Chapter 108

Alexander strode in with an icy aura clinging to his broad shoulders, his expression unreadable.

"Alexander." Sebastian acknowledged him.

The man didn't respond. His glacial gaze swept across the dining table before settling on Evelyn's ashen face.

"Evelyn," Alexander's voice dripped with mockery, "why the surprise? As your husband, isn't it natural I'd have the key?"

Her lips trembled.

"Do you make a habit of entertaining men when I'm away?" His smirk deepened as he turned to Sebastian. "Tell me, Uncle Sebastian, do you enjoy this type of woman?"

Evelyn's heart stuttered painfully.

'This type of woman.' The words carved into her like shards of glass.

Her pallor worsened, but she lacked the courage to retaliate. Before him, she was nothing but a trembling sparrow, defenseless and exposed.

"Alexander, you misunderstand," Sebastian interjected calmly. "I came because I was concerned about Evelyn's wellbeing."

A derisive snort. "Concerned? For this scheming, heartless creature?"

Each word was a dagger twisting in Evelyn's chest.

Sebastian frowned. "She's your wife. How can you speak to her like this?"

"Am I wrong?" Alexander closed the distance between them, his whiskey-laced breath fanning Evelyn's cheek. She caught the scent of expensive bourbon mingled with his cologne.

"Tell him, Evelyn," Alexander purred, fingers digging into her chin. "Didn't you scheme your way into my bed with calculated precision?"

The humiliation burned. Evelyn's vision blurred with unshed tears.

"Yes." She forced a brittle smile. "I'm exactly the vile, manipulative wretch Mr. Blackwood describes. I've committed every shameful act imaginable to ensnare you." Her gaze lifted to meet his. "Which is why we'll be divorcing soon."

She expected satisfaction in his eyes. Instead, something darker flickered there—a storm barely contained.

"Divorce?" Alexander's laugh was razor-sharp. "You think you have the right to leave me, Evelyn? You're nothing."

"Alexander, if you truly despise her, divorce benefits you both," Sebastian reasoned.

The temperature in the room plummeted. Alexander's grip on Evelyn tightened as he turned to Sebastian. "Is that what you want, Uncle? To see me discard this broken doll?"

His free hand traced the bandage on Evelyn's cheek. "Though half-ruined, she's still pretty enough, isn't she?" The words were honeyed poison.

Evelyn's wound throbbed as if freshly split open. She bit back a whimper.

"You're drunk, Alexander." Sebastian's frown deepened. "Release her. You're hurting her."

Alexander tilted Evelyn's face toward his uncle. "Tell him, darling. Are you in pain?"

Through the agony, Evelyn managed a strained smile. "I'm fine."

"Evelyn—"

"Please don't worry, Mr. Whitman. I'll survive." Her voice barely shook.

Sebastian hesitated before nodding. "She's just a girl, Alexander. Show some mercy."

The moment the door closed behind Sebastian, Alexander's grip became crushing. "Now, Evelyn," he whispered against her ear, "let's discuss your little performance."