Chapter 17

Alexander's icy accusations poured over Evelyn like a winter storm. The irony of his words twisted like a knife in her chest.

"Didn't you already know about it, Mr. Blackwood?"

Her response only fueled his fury. His fingers dug into her chin, forcing her to meet his darkened gaze—eyes like a tempest, swirling with barely restrained rage.

"So, you went looking for your old flame, hmm?"

Old flame? He must mean Nathaniel.

Nathaniel had once been Alexander's classmate, two years their senior. When he confessed to Evelyn at graduation, the entire school assumed they were dating.

She never realized Alexander had believed those rumors too.

"Evelyn, listen carefully," he growled. "Even if I discard you one day, don’t think you can run to another man. Let’s see who dares pick up the trash I’ve thrown away!"

Trash.

The word carved into her heart.

With a strength she didn’t know she possessed, Evelyn shoved him away. "Alexander, just because you’re unfaithful doesn’t mean I am! You’re the only man I’ve ever been with. So when you insult me, you insult yourself!"

Before he could react, she fled to her room.

Alexander stood frozen, the sudden emptiness in his arms leaving him disoriented. His gaze followed her retreating figure, his expression unreadable under the pale moonlight.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at work only to be summoned by HR.

Her manager slid a resignation letter across the desk without meeting her eyes. "Our company doesn’t tolerate thieves."

The video of her "stealing" had gone viral.

She’d had proof of her innocence—until Alexander destroyed it.

Now, the world saw her as nothing but a shameless criminal.

Anger and helplessness coiled inside her, but there was nothing she could do. In Willowbrook, Alexander’s word was law.

And he would never defend her. He wanted her erased.

Job applications led to swift rejections. Worse, a persistent ache in her abdomen sent fear coursing through her.

She rushed to the hospital, praying for her baby’s safety.

The waiting room was crowded with expectant mothers, their husbands doting on them. The sight twisted Evelyn’s heart.

She couldn’t even imagine Alexander accompanying her to a checkup.

That dream was long dead.

"Well, if it isn’t Evelyn."

Victoria’s saccharine voice cut through her thoughts. Dressed in a flowing blouse, she smiled sweetly.

"Here for your checkup too? Where’s Alexander?"

Evelyn’s nails bit into her palms, but she refused to show weakness. "He’s not with you either. He’ll find out about that bastard in your stomach soon enough."

Victoria’s smile faltered, then returned, triumphant. "Oh, Alexander? He’s fetching my test results right now."