Chapter 29

Before Evelyn could complete her sentence, Dominic cut her off sharply.

His fingers traced a distinctive birthmark on her collarbone, as if confirming some intimate knowledge from their past.

Victoria gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my stars! Evie, isn't this your ex-lover? He paid you after every encounter? That's practically prostitution! How could you degrade yourself like this? Sleeping with any man who offers a few hundred dollars?"

Evelyn's stomach churned with disgust. She opened her mouth to defend herself when a searing pain from her tumor site stole her voice.

Her silence seemed like confession to Alexander.

First Nathaniel. Now Dominic.

Just how many men had this woman been with?

Alexander's jaw clenched, veins bulging at his temples as revulsion twisted his features.

"Alex, I can't believe Evie would do this." Victoria's voice trembled with faux concern. "I need some air. Let's go."

Alexander's glacial stare pinned Evelyn before allowing Victoria to lead him away.

"Alex... It's not..." The words died in Evelyn's throat as agony rendered her mute. She watched helplessly as Alexander's retreating figure disappeared, his final glance dripping with contempt.

He believed them. Believed she was some common whore selling herself for pocket change.

Dominic dragged Evelyn into a private lounge, his hungry gaze raking over her body. This was the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

When Evelyn tried to flee, he yanked her back violently. She crashed onto shattered glass, crimson blooming across her palms. The dual assault of physical pain and tumor agony left her trembling on the floor.

Memories surfaced of Alexander carrying her to safety when she'd cut her foot years ago. His whispered promise: "Lina, I'll always protect you."

Now she bled alone, abandoned.

The irony was almost funny.

Gritting her teeth, Evelyn crawled toward the door. Dominic easily hauled her back, tearing at her dress with greedy hands.

Just as hope faded, the door exploded inward.

Alexander took in the scene with one glance before snatching a wine bottle and smashing it over Dominic's skull.

The would-be rapist howled, clutching his bleeding head.

Alexander hauled Evelyn away, her bloodied hands leaving smears on his pristine suit.

Between the speeding car and Alexander's rough handling, Evelyn felt her body might rupture. He dragged her into their penthouse bathroom, shoving her into the tub before turning the water on full blast.

Evelyn thrashed as water filled her nose and mouth. "Alexander—"

"Impatient slut!" He gripped her neck, forcing her under again. "Couldn't wait one day before spreading your legs? And you dared claim I was your only man!"

The drowning was nothing compared to his words carving into her soul.

"You'll fuck strangers for chump change but play coy with me?" Alexander's laugh was cruel. "You make me sick."