Chapter 16

Alexander finished watching the video, his expression turning icy. "Where did you obtain this?" His voice cut through the air like winter wind.

Evelyn couldn't believe his priorities. "Does the source matter more than the truth you're seeing?"

"The truth?" Alexander scoffed, swiping to delete the video. With another tap, he erased the backup from Evelyn's cloud storage.

Her breath caught. She lunged for her phone, but it was too late. The trash folder had been emptied.

"Alexander, why?" Her voice cracked. "Don't you see how they're crucifying me online? That was my only proof!"

He regarded her with detached amusement. "Your innocence means nothing to me. Only Victoria's happiness matters."

His words struck like physical blows.

Her reputation. Her life. None of it concerned him.

Victoria could commit murder, and he'd hand her the knife. That's how deeply love had blinded him.

Suddenly, Evelyn's tears stopped. She studied his perfect features through watery eyes. "Alexander... If online bullying drove me to suicide someday, would you care?"

He didn't look up from his phone. "Would you actually die?"

The casual cruelty shattered her. Pain radiated from her chest in waves.

Evelyn clenched her fists until her nails bit flesh. His face blurred behind her tears. "I hope... you'll remember this indifference when that day comes."

She turned before he could see her breakdown. Hot tears traced paths down her cheeks as she fled.

Twelve years of devotion—wasted on a man who'd watch her drown without lifting a finger.

Rain began falling as Evelyn stumbled outside. Distracted by grief, she didn't see the speeding car until its brakes screeched.

Through the downpour and her tears, she glimpsed a man rushing toward her. Then—darkness.

When Evelyn awoke, moonlight streamed through unfamiliar windows. The elegant penthouse smelled of sandalwood and citrus.

A tall figure entered carrying a steaming mug. Recognition dawned. "Nathaniel?"

His smile warmed the room. "Long time no see, Evie."

Years had passed since Nathaniel graduated and left Willowbrook. His private physician had already examined her. "Just exhaustion and mild dehydration," he said, offering the mug.

Evelyn accepted it with trembling hands. "I'm so sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all." His gaze held hers. "Your wellbeing is all that matters."

The kindness undid her. Alexander's cruel words echoed anew. This was the price of unrequited love—her heart, broken beyond repair.

She made to leave, but Nathaniel had ordered an extravagant spread from The Diamond Hotel. Not wanting to offend, she stayed.

After dinner, he insisted on driving her home. As they pulled up to Blackwood Estate, Nathaniel hesitated. "My doctor mentioned... your pregnancy. Does Alexander know?"

Moonlight illuminated his concerned expression.

"Of course my husband knows," Evelyn lied smoothly. She forced a smile. "Dinner's on me next time."

"I'll hold you to that, Evie." His warm chuckle followed her inside.

The door hadn't fully closed when an iron grip yanked her sideways. Evelyn's nose smashed into a rock-hard chest. Alexander's voice dripped venom above her. "Evelyn Sinclair. You're even more of a whore than I imagined."