Chapter 75

The night had settled in when Evelyn helped the intoxicated Olivia into the waiting taxi.

As she turned, her breath caught at the sight of Alexander leaning against his luxury car by the entrance.

His tall frame was silhouetted against the dim streetlights. One hand rested in his tailored pants pocket while the other held a cigarette, its glowing tip pulsing like a dying star in the darkness. The smoke curled around his sharp features, accentuating his solitary presence.

Evelyn's pulse quickened. She couldn't tell if it was nerves or something else. Every instinct told her to retreat, but his piercing gaze had already locked onto her.

"Get in." His command sliced through the night air.

Always so authoritative. Never giving her a choice.

She deliberately looked away. "Not tonight, Mr. Blackwood. We can discuss this tomorrow."

Alexander's jaw tightened. In three strides, he blocked her path. "I won't repeat myself."

"Who's this noisy bastard?" Olivia slurred, her drunken head lolling against Evelyn's shoulder. After squinting at Alexander, she burst into raucous laughter. "Ohhh, it's just you, you cheating scumbag!"

Evelyn felt the temperature drop instantly.

"Olivia, you're drunk. Let's get you inside." Evelyn tried to defuse the situation, her hands tightening around her friend's waist.

"I'm perfectly sober!" Olivia jabbed a finger at Alexander's chest. "And I'd recognize this bastard anywhere! Where were you when Evie was suffering, huh? Too busy coddling your precious mistress?"

Evelyn's stomach dropped. If Alexander decided to retaliate, Olivia wouldn't survive in Willowbrook.

"Enough!" Evelyn tugged at Olivia's arm, but the dead weight of a drunk woman was impossible to move.

"Alexander, I'll come with you," Evelyn said quickly, seeing the storm gathering in his eyes. "But you have to promise not to hold this against her. She doesn't know what she's saying."

Alexander's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "I think she knows exactly what she's saying."

"Then prove you're man enough not to punish a drunk woman for speaking truth!" Evelyn challenged.

He exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his gaze predatory. "Crushing her would be easier than stepping on an ant."

Olivia hiccuped loudly. "Go ahead then! Alexander Blackwood, you're nothing but a blind, cheating bastard!"

"Olivia, stop!" Cold sweat trickled down Evelyn's back. The air crackled with impending violence.

"Why should I? I've kept quiet too long!" Olivia swayed but stood her ground, pointing accusingly. "You don't deserve Evelyn! She's beautiful, brilliant, and waited years for you! Kept every promise! What did you do?"

Olivia's voice rose to a shout that echoed through the quiet street. "She finally rebuilds her life, gets a new job, and you waltz back in like you own her? Newsflash - if you don't want her, hundreds of better men are lining up!"