Chapter 52

Evelyn's face drained of color. So this was how Alexander truly saw her—filthy and worthless.

"Alexander, watch your mouth!" Nathaniel stepped forward, shielding Evelyn. The air between them crackled with hostility.

Alexander's lips curled into a cold smirk. "Respect? You're parading around with another man's wife, and you dare lecture me about respect?"

His words were daggers, each one slicing deeper into Evelyn's heart.

"When have you ever treated Evelyn as your wife? Besides, she's not yours anymore!" Nathaniel stood his ground, unflinching.

A dark storm gathered in Alexander's eyes as they locked onto Evelyn. "Is this how you lure men now?"

A shiver ran down her spine. She couldn't fathom the fury burning in his gaze.

He seized her wrist, yanking her to his side. His glare never left Nathaniel. "She's still legally bound to me. Even if I discard her one day, I won't let scavengers like you pick through what's left."

The cruelty of his words left her breathless. Without another word, he shoved her into his car.

Nathaniel lunged forward, but Evelyn stopped him with a single look. He froze, the weight of Alexander's declaration settling over him.

They were still married.

Evelyn had no idea where Alexander was taking her. The car sped recklessly, the world outside blurring into nausea-inducing streaks.

She remembered his warning and let out a bitter laugh. "You're contradicting yourself, Mr. Blackwood. Didn't you say women like me weren't fit to sit in your car? Or have you forgotten how dirty I am?"

Alexander's grip on the steering wheel tightened. The car lurched forward, accelerating even faster.

Her stomach churned violently. "Alexander, stop! Where are you taking me?"

"Eager to run back to Nathaniel?" His voice was ice.

She clenched her fists. "What if I am? We're done!"

A dark chuckle escaped him. "Evelyn, do you really think you can walk in and out of my life whenever you please?"

His piercing gaze sent a jolt through her. She didn't understand his meaning.

But one thing was clear—Alexander was set to marry Victoria soon. Whatever twisted game he was playing, it needed to end.

The car screeched to a halt outside an upscale salon.

Alexander shoved her toward the staff. "Make her presentable."

Evelyn resisted. "I'm not doing this."

His voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Unless you want everyone you care about to suffer, you'll cooperate."

Everyone she cared about...

Only Olivia came to mind.

Her grandfather was gone. Alexander couldn't use him anymore.

Olivia was all she had left.

An hour later, Evelyn emerged transformed.

A champagne-colored gown hugged her curves, the delicate fabric shimmering under the lights. Her cropped hair framed her face, accentuating her sharp cheekbones. She looked stunning—radiant, even.

Alexander's gaze flickered with something unreadable before it vanished.

To her shock, they arrived at Blackwood Estate.

As they stepped out, his hand settled possessively on her waist, his touch searing through the thin fabric.

The autumn wind was cold, but his palm burned against her skin.

"Grandfather wants to see you."