Chapter 71

The sudden brake sent Evelyn's body lurching forward. A sharp pain shot through her abdomen, forcing her to double over. Before she could recover, Alexander's iron grip yanked her upright.

His chiseled features remained devastatingly handsome even in anger, now mere inches from her face.

"Admitting it now?" Alexander's voice dripped with ice. "That you drugged me and crawled into my bed that night?"

Evelyn gazed at the face she'd loved for years and smiled bitterly.

"If that's what you believe, Mr. Blackwood." She saw no point in explanations anymore.

Alexander froze. The sardonic smile on Evelyn's lips triggered a memory - another smile, eerily similar. His grip slackened momentarily before his eyes darkened with revulsion.

"Pathetic." The word cut like a blade as he shoved her away.

Evelyn clutched her stomach, swallowing a whimper. Then she lifted her chin defiantly.

"Maybe I am. But I'm still cleaner than your precious Victoria by a million times."

"Enough!" Alexander roared. "Still slandering her after everything?"

Evelyn laughed through the pain. "Why would I need to slander someone who got pregnant at sixteen and had an abortion?"

Alexander's hand closed around her throat instantly.

Evelyn's breath hitched as oxygen fled her lungs.

"Say that again," he growled, eyes burning with fury. "I dare you."

Gasping, Evelyn met his gaze unflinchingly. "Victoria Lancaster is a two-faced snake who pretends to be pure! I swear on my life I've only ever been with you, while she's had more partners than you can count!"

Her vision darkened, but she continued hoarsely, "That baby she lost three years ago? It wasn't yours. Yet you sacrificed our child over her lies!"

Tears streamed down her face as the memory tore through her.

Alexander suddenly released her, looking shaken.

Evelyn coughed violently, drawing ragged breaths. "Investigate it yourself," she rasped, seeing his conflicted expression.

Alexander scoffed. "Why would I trust an ex-con's word?"

"Then may I die horribly if I'm lying."

"Drop dead already," he spat coldly.

The words froze Evelyn's heart solid.

"Get out." Alexander flung the car door open.

He abandoned her on the rain-slicked roadside without a backward glance, tires screeching as he sped away.

Evelyn collapsed to her knees, arms wrapped around her aching stomach. The downpour soaked through her clothes, matching the chill in her soul.

As darkness crept at the edges of her vision, a silver sedan pulled up. A black umbrella appeared above her, followed by a familiar voice.