Chapter 498

The night was ink-black, neon lights of the city streaking past the car window.

The black Maybach rolled into Beverly Hills, tires crunching faintly over fallen leaves.

Ethan Sullivan lowered the window, his gaze fixed on the familiar French windows on the second floor of the Laurent mansion.

The curtains were drawn tight, not a sliver of light escaping.

His long fingers absently tapped the car door armrest.

Three years.

Every late night after work, he'd instinctively look toward that window.

Evelyn Laurent used to curl up in the armchair by the window with her files, warm lamplight tracing her focused profile.

Now it was 2 AM.

Logic told him to come back tomorrow.

But the longing in his chest threatened to break free.

His suit jacket was tossed carelessly onto the backseat.

Ethan undid his cufflinks and vaulted over the garden fence.

His movements were fluid, as if he'd practiced this climb a thousand times.

The window lock clicked softly.

Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, outlining the curves beneath the sheets.

Evelyn lay on her side, silk strap slipping off her shoulder, clutching the starry body pillow he'd given her.

Ethan held his breath.

The mattress dipped suddenly.

Evelyn's eyes flew open.

She swung the pillow with force, but he caught her wrist mid-air.

"It's me."

His deep voice cut through the darkness.

Her pupils dilated violently.

Fingertips recognized the familiar grooves of his watch, and her tense body instantly relaxed.

"You—"

Her unfinished words were swallowed by a scorching embrace.

Ethan pulled her close, burying his face in her hair with a shuddering inhale.

The scent of orange blossom soap mingled with something metallic.

Evelyn began trembling violently.

"The Quincy basement." He tightened his arms around her shaking form. "I'm fine."

Her icy fingers traced the abrasion on his nape.

Moonlight revealed the angry gash, and her tears splashed against his collarbone.

"They used tranquilizer darts."

Ethan laced their fingers together, pressing their joined hands against his chest.

"I woke up in a shipping container."

Evelyn jerked back.

Her red-rimmed eyes gleamed like poisoned blades.

"Reginald Quincy?"

"Not just him." His thumb brushed the faded ring mark on her finger. "Your uncle too."

Her body turned to stone in his arms.

Ethan kissed her quivering eyelids.

"Don't be afraid."

Thunder cracked outside.

As the downpour began, Evelyn bit through his lower lip.