Chapter 129

Evelyn's expression remained composed. "Mr. Blackwood, please leave after your meal. It would be best if you stopped coming back from now on."

Alexander's lips curved into a smirk. "Evelyn, why pretend you want me gone? You were quite responsive when I kissed you earlier today!"

"Don't mention that again!" Evelyn snapped, her composure cracking for a brief moment. "Alexander Blackwood, you've disappointed me beyond measure."

"What does that matter? It doesn't change the fact that you're still in love with me."

Evelyn's anger burned like wildfire in her chest. Her heart ached, and so did the pit of her stomach.

"I loved you once. But now, even your touch repulses me!"

Alexander's fork clattered against his plate. The food suddenly tasted like ash in his mouth. He rose abruptly, stalking toward Evelyn with dangerous intent.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Evelyn turned to flee. But Alexander moved faster, pinning her against the wall with both hands.

Evelyn refused to meet his gaze, but he dipped his head deliberately, forcing his handsome yet menacing face into her line of sight.

As his breath ghosted over her skin, Evelyn's throat constricted with fear. She ducked suddenly, attempting to slip beneath his arms, but Alexander anticipated the move, gripping her chin with bruising force.

"Let me go!"

Evelyn trembled like a cornered animal, ready to bolt at the first opportunity.

Alexander's brows furrowed. "Now you don't want my touch? Has someone else captured your heart? Don't forget, Evelyn, I'm still your husband!"

"When have you ever treated me as your wife? Never!" Evelyn spat, her eyes blazing with unshed tears. She clenched her jaw, determined not to let them fall.

"Alexander, I don't love you anymore. Truly. So stop touching me. Go to Victoria. You love her so much—save yourself for her. Don't soil yourself with someone as vile and despicable as me. You said it yourself—I'm not worthy!"

Evelyn had nothing left to say. The strange, complicated expression on Alexander's face was one she couldn't decipher.

"Evelyn." His voice softened unexpectedly as he reached for her hand.

She jerked away, refusing to meet his gaze.

His eyes lingered on her bandaged face, and his expression gentled further. He bit his lip, about to speak when his phone rang.

Releasing her, he answered the call.

Evelyn pressed herself against the wall, the silence between them deafening. It was so quiet she could hear the panicked voice on the other end: "Alexander, come to the hospital immediately! It's Victoria—she's dying!"

Victoria was dying?

Evelyn refused to believe it. This had to be another one of Victoria's schemes. Yet Alexander's face transformed instantly with concern.

He hung up and turned to leave.

At the doorway, he seemed to remember something and abruptly dragged Evelyn with him.

"Alexander! What are you doing? Let go!" Evelyn struggled against his iron grip.

"From now on, you don't leave my sight." His tone brooked no argument as he shoved her into the car.

Understanding dawned on Evelyn. "Afraid I'll take the evidence to the police? Afraid I'll expose Victoria for the murderer she is? Alexander Blackwood, you're despicable! You'd abandon all principles for that woman—protecting a killer!"

Alexander listened to her tirade before suddenly roaring with rage. His cold hands closed around her throat. "Victoria is innocent and kind—she'd never do something so vile! I won't let you slander her!"