Chapter 56

Evelyn Laurent's fingers clenched the doorknob with desperate strength.

She yanked hard.

The door didn't budge.

Her breathing turned ragged as darkness swallowed her vision. Memories of suffocating blackness surged like a tidal wave, drowning her completely.

Her legs gave out. She slid down the wall, collapsing onto the cold tiles.

"Get away... all of you!"

She hugged her knees to her chest, nails digging crescent moons into her arms.

——

In the private dining room, Ethan Sullivan looked up at the sudden clap of thunder.

He checked his watch, brow furrowing.

Evelyn had been in the restroom for over twenty minutes.

His phone screen lit up briefly before dimming again. He rose and strode toward the hallway.

"Evelyn?"

Only his own echo answered in the empty corridor.

"Evelyn!"

His pace quickened, pulse accelerating inexplicably.

The restroom door resisted when he pushed it. His expression darkened.

Locked from inside.

"Evelyn! Open the door!"

His pounding knuckles met muffled sobs from within.

Ethan's pupils contracted. He stepped back and kicked the lock with brutal force.

Crash!

The door flew open.

Simultaneously, the hallway lights flickered out.

A lightning flash illuminated the scene—Evelyn curled into herself in the corner, dark hair spilling wildly over her shoulders.

"Don't come near me..."

Her voice was shredded beyond recognition, her entire body convulsing.

When Ethan reached for her, she shoved him away violently.

"Get out! Don't touch me!"

The force sent him stumbling back several steps.

"Evelyn! Look at me!"

He raised his voice above the thunder.

But she seemed deaf to everything, repeating fragmented phrases like a broken record.

"Why won't you believe me..."

"I didn't do anything wrong..."

Her whispers faded into nearly silent whimpers.

Ethan crouched down. Another lightning strike revealed her paper-white face.

"It's me. Ethan."

He extended his hand slowly, voice softening.

Evelyn jerked her head up, eyes unfocused.

"No... don't hit me..."

Her nails screeched against the tiles.

Ethan's chest constricted. Ignoring her thrashing, he pulled her into his arms.

"It's over. I'm here."

Her body stiffened momentarily before trembling violently again.

"Let go!"

She clawed at his arms, drawing blood.

Ethan tightened his embrace, murmuring reassurance against her ear.

"Look at me, Evelyn."

Lightning flashed once more.

Recognition finally flickered in her dilated pupils.

"E...Ethan?"

Her voice wavered uncertainly.

"Yes."

He wiped her tear-streaked face, alarmed by her icy skin.

"Can you stand?"

She nodded blankly, but her legs refused to cooperate.

Without hesitation, Ethan scooped her up bridal-style.

"Don't be afraid. I'm taking you out."

A waiter's startled voice echoed from the hallway.

"Sir! What happened?"

Ethan strode past without acknowledgment, heading straight for the elevator.

Evelyn lay motionless in his arms like a porcelain doll, only her fluttering lashes betraying her distress.

"Why..."

Her whisper barely reached him.

Ethan looked down into her glistening eyes.

"What?"

"Why did you come for me..."

Her voice thickened with unshed tears.

The elevator doors slid shut, sealing them away from the storm.

Ethan adjusted his hold, his deep voice resonating in the enclosed space.

"Because you were waiting for me."