Chapter 22

"Alexander?" Evelyn's pupils constricted violently, the screwdriver slipping from her fingers with a clatter.

She never expected to encounter him here.

The man snatched up the tool, deftly jamming the cabinet handle beyond repair within seconds.

"What are you doing? There's someone inside!" She lunged for the screwdriver.

Alexander seized her wrist with bone-crushing force, hurling her onto the bed.

"How long have you been planning this?" His voice was glacial, eyes dark with barely restrained violence. "With Julian Ashford."

Evelyn froze.

She couldn't comprehend his accusation.

Her apparent confusion only deepened the storm in his gaze.

"Fabricating scandals about Isabella and me to clear the path for your beloved senior?" He caged her beneath him, his breath hot against her face. "Impressive tactics, Miss Duan."

His proximity allowed her to study every detail—the furrow between his brows, the sharp angles of his phoenix eyes, the undisguised fury twisting his handsome features.

What once would have terrified her now left her numb.

A humorless laugh escaped her lips. "Fabricated? You overestimate me, Mr. Kingsley."

She reached for her bag, flinging a stack of photographs at him.

"Seven years ago. The Autumn Detail rooftop. You embracing Isabella."

"Her birthday gala. Your arm around her waist."

...

"Last week outside the club. Your intimate moment."

"True Love jewelry shopping—announced the same day. I'm not stupid, Alexander."

Her voice trembled. "For my mother who jumped from Autumn Detail for your sake—let me go."

The photos scattered like falling snow.

The topmost image showed that damning rooftop embrace seven years ago.

Why did it have to be Autumn Detail?

Her deepest wound.

Alexander suddenly gripped her chin with brutal force, spots dancing across her vision.

"You've been carrying on with Julian," he sneered. "Why shouldn't I have Isabella?"

Tears of pain welled up, yet Evelyn smiled. "I'm content. Truly content with our breakup."

No more explanations.

These days without him were the first time she'd felt human.

"My relationship with Isabella changes nothing." His thumb traced her throat. "You'll always belong to me."

He straddled her, radiating danger. "Time you remembered who owns you."

CRASH—

The cabinet door shuddered violently, the screwdriver teetering.

"Alexander Kingsley!" Julian's enraged roar echoed through the wood. "You goddamn animal!"

His first-ever curse.

Years of restraint shattered seeing her treated this way.

Alexander released Evelyn, striding toward the cabinet with chilling calm.

He produced electrical tape, sealing the door shut with methodical precision.

Then pressed his shoulder against it, inching the entire unit toward the open window.

"ALEXANDER!" Evelyn's scream tore from her throat.

She flung herself at him, nails digging into his arms as fifth-floor wind howled like a yawning abyss.

"You're insane! Stop!" She pulled with desperate strength, drawing blood through his sleeves.