Chapter 135

Evelyn remained silent, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap as conflicting thoughts swirled in her mind.

She still had time—at least thirty days.

Thirty days to gather the final pieces of evidence and expose Victoria's murder to the authorities.

After leaving the hospital, Nathaniel drove her aimlessly through downtown Willowbrook. As evening fell, he pulled up beside a brightly lit food truck.

Nathaniel turned to her with that familiar gentle smile that always made her chest tighten. "Evie, will you share some spicy tacos with me again tonight?"

Her breath caught. Then she noticed the unshed tears glistening in his hazel eyes.

Did he know? Had he discovered her limited time?

Evelyn pushed the thought away, forcing a bright smile. "Of course. And not just tonight—we'll have plenty more chances."

"Promise?" His voice held desperate hope.

"Cross my heart," she whispered.

They stood by the food truck's warm glow, eating tacos that burned her tongue just like their university days. Nathaniel confessed how he'd fallen for her during freshman orientation, only to learn she'd already given her heart to Alexander.

But Evelyn knew the truth—she hadn't loved Alexander at first sight. That dangerous attraction had reignited later, like a spark finding dry tinder.

When they finished, Nathaniel drove her home. He hesitated at her doorstep, clearly wanting to stay, until a family call forced him to leave.

She'd barely taken three steps when suddenly he was there—his hands framing her face, his lips pressing a featherlight kiss to her forehead.

"Evie Sinclair, I've loved you for years."

Then he was gone, leaving her standing frozen as the evening breeze carried away his words.

"Evelyn Sinclair!"

The icy voice shattered the moment.

She whirled to find Alexander descending the apartment stairs like a storm made flesh. His measured steps belied the fury rolling off him in waves.

Every instinct screamed danger as he closed the distance. His obsidian eyes burned with quiet rage, the air around him turning arctic.

Her pulse hammered against her ribs.

The winter wind was nothing compared to the glacial hatred radiating from him.

"First Sebastian, now Nathaniel Sterling. How many men do you need to validate yourself?" His voice could have frosted glass.

He seized her wrist with bruising force.

"Do I mean nothing to you? Flirting with another man right outside our home?"

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms. "Hypocrite. You parade Victoria Lancaster around without a thought for your wife."

Alexander's expression turned glacial.

"You've grown bold," he hissed. "Too bold."

Before she could react, he dragged her toward the building.

"Alexander! Let me go!"

Her struggles meant nothing. Inside their apartment, he threw her onto the bed, his body pinning hers before she could escape.