Chapter 286

"What about you, Nathaniel? Did you forget those tacos you shared so intimately with my wife by the roadside?" Alexander's voice dripped with venom, his earlier smirk replaced by an icy glare that could freeze hell itself. "You even had the audacity to send her home afterward. How... thoughtful of you. And that kiss in broad daylight - did you think I wouldn't find out?"

His knuckles turned white as he gripped the chair. "Let me make this clear, Nathaniel. Evelyn will always belong to me. Even in death, her ashes will remain with me! Who do you think you are? Just a delusional fool trying to steal another man's wife."

Nathaniel let out a bitter laugh.

"A homewrecker? That's rich coming from you. Maybe Evelyn wouldn't have suffered Victoria's schemes repeatedly if you hadn't turned a blind eye every single time! You were her accomplice!"

A shadow crossed Alexander's composed features.

He couldn't deny his role in Evelyn's suffering. Half the scars she bore, half the blood she shed - they were all because of him.

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I didn't come here to discuss this, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel realized they'd strayed from the main issue. He studied Alexander suspiciously. "Are you truly not the one who took Evelyn?"

"She's not Evelyn," Alexander emphasized through gritted teeth.

"Still lying?" Nathaniel stood his ground. "Do you expect me to believe there's another woman who looks exactly like her? You must have brainwashed her!"

Alexander's chuckle held no mirth, only endless sorrow. "I wish you were right. At least then... she'd still be alive."

Evelyn awoke groggily after what felt like an eternity.

Blinking against the dim light, she realized her wrists and ankles were bound. The musty air smelled of damp cardboard and rust. The only illumination came from a small rectangular window, its grimy glass showing the fading light of dusk.

The creak of a door hinge made her snap her eyes shut again. Two men entered, their heavy boots scuffing against the concrete floor.

One grabbed her chin roughly. "Tsk. What a pretty little thing. We're gonna have so much fun with her later!"

"Maybe we should sample the goods first?"

"Hell yeah! I can't wait any longer!"

Just as Evelyn prepared to fight back, another voice interrupted.

"Hey! Knock it off!" A third man appeared in the doorway. "The boss lady called. She'll be here soon - wants to watch the show and film it. Save your energy for the main event."

"Damn! That bitch really knows how to party!" The first man reluctantly released Evelyn's jacket.

The door slammed shut, plunging Evelyn back into semi-darkness.

She immediately sat up, scanning her prison. Cardboard boxes formed precarious towers around the room. Beneath the window, broken glass glittered like deadly confetti.

Working her bound hands toward the largest shard, Evelyn began sawing at the ropes. The glass bit into her palms, drawing blood, but she barely flinched. After everything she'd endured, this pain was nothing.

Finally free, she turned to the ropes at her ankles. As she worked, her eyes darted between the window and the stacked boxes - a plan forming.

Just as she cut the last strand, footsteps echoed in the corridor outside...