Chapter 64

The downpour blurred Evelyn's vision, but Alexander's fury cut through the rain like a blade.

His fingers dug into her throat with bruising force, stealing her breath away.

Watching her face turn crimson from oxygen deprivation, he finally released his grip as if discarding trash. Then came the violent shove.

Evelyn gasped, rainwater filling her mouth as she collapsed onto the slick pavement.

Her trembling fingers retrieved the waterlogged phone. The screen illuminated with messages.

At the top - an unknown number. 'The brat won't stop crying. Had to teach him a lesson. He's quiet now. When are you paying up to get him back?'

The words detonated in Evelyn's mind like a grenade. Her thoughts scattered like shrapnel.

A kidnapping message. But why was it addressed to her?

"Evelyn Sinclair," Alexander's voice dripped venom. "You'd stoop this low? Conspiring with criminals to kidnap my son? If Ethan has so much as a scratch, I'll carve the price from your flesh."

Ice flooded Evelyn's veins. As she tried rising, white-hot pain lanced through her abdomen.

She crumpled back onto her knees beside Alexander's car, rain streaming down her face. "Alexander! I don't know this person! I didn't take Ethan! This is a setup!"

The storm intensified, needles of rain making it impossible to open her eyes.

"A setup?" Alexander's laugh held no humor. "Victoria framed you again? Using her own child as bait this time?"

His eyes burned with murderous intent.

"Listen carefully, Evelyn. If my son isn't in my arms within the hour, I'll reunite you with that bastard child of yours in hell."

The tires screeched as he peeled away, spraying filthy water across her already soaked form. His parting words struck deeper than any blade.

Hiss.

Evelyn doubled over, clutching her stomach as agony radiated through her core. The icy rain numbed her skin but couldn't dull the internal torment.

Three years in prison hadn't hardened her enough.

She remained fragile. Breakable.

Teeth gritted, she forced herself upright.

Alexander's phone rang endlessly before cutting to voicemail. Again. Again.

Her shaking fingers returned to the ominous text. She dialed the number.

Instant answer. A familiar yet unplaceable male voice: "Evelyn, you got my money?"

The casual demand short-circuited her thoughts. Where had she heard that voice before?

"Who are you?" Her pulse hammered in her throat. "What are you talking about?"

"Playing dumb now?" The man chuckled darkly. "You hired me for this job. Hurry up with payment before I lose patience with the kid. Might just snap his neck to shut him up."

Ethan's imagined whimpers sent fresh pain through Evelyn's chest.

"Don't hurt him!" The plea tore from her raw throat.

"Then move your ass. I'm not waiting forever." The line started to disconnect.

"Wait! Where are you?" Evelyn screamed into the phone. "Tell me where to find you!"