Chapter 30

"Evelyn, you sicken me."

His words struck like poisoned daggers, each one finding its mark in her already shattered heart.

He trusted Victoria's lies so completely that he wouldn't even let her speak in her own defense.

Icy water flooded her mouth and nose, dragging her under. For a moment, she stopped fighting.

Wouldn't death be easier than this torment?

But just as she surrendered to the darkness, Alexander hauled her up and flung her onto the floor.

Drenched and broken, she curled into herself like a discarded doll.

The tumor inside her burned with every breath, but she forced her head up.

"I don't know that man, Alexander. Why won't you believe me?"

"Why should I believe a viper like you?"

He seized her collar, his grip brutal. The mole on her left breast peeked through torn fabric.

The memory of Dominic's words twisted his expression into something cruel.

With a snarl, he ripped her clothes apart.

He was a storm of violence, punishing her without mercy.

Pain was all she knew.

His gaze terrified her—cold, merciless, devoid of anything human.

She gasped as his weight crushed her. "Alexander, stop—"

"Still playing innocent, Evelyn? Isn't this what you wanted?" His voice dripped with mockery.

When it was over, he threw a wad of cash at her face, treating her like a common whore.

Her blood turned to ice. But she stood, trembling. "I'm your wife."

He buttoned his shirt, disdain curling his lips. "A wife who spreads her legs for any man?"

Each word was a blade.

"If not for Victoria, you'd be rotting in a hospital bed."

Evelyn laughed, bitter and broken. "Right. That saint is the reason I'm like this."

Alexander whirled back. His fingers dug into her neck, yanking her close.

"Insult her again, and I'll make sure your grandfather never sees another doctor—no matter how much you beg."

Her heart plummeted.

He smirked at her fear. "Scared? Good. This is just the beginning, Evelyn. Cross me or Victoria again, and I'll destroy you."

With a final shove, he sent her crashing to the floor.

She didn't move. Pain held her captive.

But she couldn't give up. Not when Henry and Amelia needed her.

The next morning, Evelyn woke on the cold tiles. Her phone buzzed—the nightclub manager demanding payment for the ruined wine.

Broke and desperate, she signed a debt agreement.

Half a million dollars.

Add that to Henry's surgery fees, and the weight nearly crushed her.

But she had no choice. She finalized her ring designs, praying for quick payment, and took on cheaper commissions.

Then, a lifeline—a jewelry executive admired her work. They wanted a meeting.

She swallowed a painkiller, bracing herself.

The moment she stepped into the conference room, her breath caught.