Chapter 74

What?

Evelyn couldn't process what she had just heard.

Alexander calling her his wife was already surreal, but what shocked her more was how he addressed her boss.

Uncle?

She didn’t know the name of the man who had helped her twice. The staff simply referred to him as Mr. Whitman.

But Evelyn hadn’t dwelled on it. After all, common surnames existed everywhere. She never imagined he’d be Alexander’s uncle.

Sebastian Whitman stepped out of his car slowly, studying Evelyn with intrigue. "So, you're Alexander’s wife?"

Evelyn snapped out of her daze. "For now."

Alexander’s expression darkened at her response.

"For now?" Sebastian’s lips curved slightly as he glanced at Alexander. "If that’s the case, I won’t interfere with you taking your wife home."

He slid back into his car, then met Evelyn’s gaze. "Don’t forget work tomorrow. With your talent, you’ll go far in this industry."

"Thank you, Mr. Whitman. I won’t disappoint you."

Before she could finish, Alexander yanked her away and shoved her into his car.

As the engine roared to life, his voice dripped with sarcasm. "Evelyn, you never cease to amaze me. First Nathaniel, now my uncle? Your audacity is impressive."

The memory of Victoria’s smug threats this morning resurfaced. His words ignited a fire in her chest.

"Alexander, if you truly see me as your wife, show me—and your grandfather and uncle—some respect. If this was just about your pride, stop the car. I’ll disappear from your life without a fuss."

The brakes screeched. He actually stopped.

His fingers dug into her cheek, his gaze icy. "Uncle? How cozy. When did this happen?"

His mocking tone made her skin crawl. She glared back. "If I’m so repulsive to you, divorce me. I’ll convince your grandfather myself!"

Didn’t he want this? She was agreeing!

Yet his jaw tightened, veins bulging at his temples. A storm brewed in his eyes.

"Who’s next? Nathaniel? Sebastian?" His grip tightened. "Listen carefully, Evelyn. You don’t get to decide anything about our marriage. You’ll never be free of me—or chase another man. Now get out!"

He shoved her away, leaving her on the roadside as his car vanished into the distance.

She stood there, remembering the decade she’d wasted loving this cruel man.

Laugh or cry? She didn’t know anymore.

Evelyn met Olivia at a pizzeria. Olivia drank freely, but Evelyn resisted. Her fragile life wasn’t worth drowning in alcohol. Not again.