Chapter 77
Evelyn's wrist was suddenly seized by a long-fingered hand.
Adrian Klein's grip was firm yet controlled.
Ethan Winston's expression turned glacial. "Professor Klein?"
Evelyn's lashes fluttered. "Professor..." Her voice trembled imperceptibly.
Adrian's gaze lingered on her red-rimmed eyes. "Need help?"
"Yes." The word came out thick with unshed tears.
He shrugged off his tailored suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "I'll take you home."
His arm settled protectively around her slender frame as he turned to leave.
Evelyn clung to his sleeve like a drowning woman grasping driftwood.
"Why are you here?" she whispered.
"Academic symposium." Adrian's reply was clipped. "Coincidental timing."
"Stop right there." Ethan blocked their path. "Isn't this overstepping, Professor?"
Adrian didn't break stride. "Move."
"This is my territory." Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Miss Langley is my guest."
Evelyn tightened her grip on Adrian's sleeve. "I'm leaving with Professor Klein."
Ethan's face darkened.
"Slut!" Nathan Evans suddenly charged forward. "Already collecting men like trophies?"
He sneered at Adrian. "No wonder you dumped me so easily. Had this one lined up already?"
"Even targeting my friends now? You're disgusting."
Evelyn's entire body shook.
Each word stabbed like shards of glass.
She lifted her gaze to Nathan. "Six years..."
"So this is what you really think of me."
Adrian felt her trembling through his jacket.
His voice dropped to subzero. "Watch your mouth."
Nathan barked a laugh. "What? Getting defensive?"
"She's not even worth fighting over—used goods."
Evelyn's face drained of color.
She bit her lip until copper bloomed on her tongue.
"I thought..." Her whisper barely carried. "We loved each other once."
An inexplicable pang struck Nathan's chest.
His mouth opened. No words came.
The night wind lifted strands of Evelyn's hair.
She turned decisively to Adrian. "Let's go."
Nathan watched her retreating figure, knuckles whitening.
"Why..." The hoarse question tore from his throat.