Chapter 77

Evelyn ended the call with a soft sigh, her fingers gently stroking Leo's furry head. "Good boy," she murmured, her voice warm with affection.

The boutique manager's eyes widened as she checked the caller ID against their system. "Oh my God!" she gasped, nearly dropping her tablet. "It's Ms. Sinclair!"

Meanwhile, Lucas emerged from the shower, water droplets still glistening on his toned physique. He wrapped a towel around his waist, eager to check on Leo when the doorbell chimed.

"The scarves I ordered must be here," Evelyn called from the living room, lounging on the plush circular sofa while playing with Leo. She made no move to get the door.

Lucas shook his head with an amused grin, padding barefoot toward the entrance. "Sweetheart," he called playfully, "you know I'd buy you the whole store if—"

His cheerful tone died instantly when he saw their unexpected visitor. Ice crept into his voice. "What are you doing here?"

Nathan Blackwood stood frozen in the doorway, his dark eyes stormy with emotion. The sight of Lucas—half-naked, freshly showered—in Evelyn's apartment sent a jolt through him. "I could ask you the same question," he countered sharply.

After their airport encounter, photos of Evelyn and Lucas had gone viral. Nathan had pulled every string to discover Evelyn's new address, determined to make amends for their past. The last time they'd spoken, she'd given him an impossible choice between Vanessa Holloway and the family heirloom.

Now, seeing them together like this, his mind raced with terrible possibilities. Were they... living together?

Lucas smirked, deliberately running a towel through his damp hair. "Why wouldn't I be here? This is my home too." The implication hung heavy between them.

"Who is it?" Evelyn's voice floated from the living room. When she appeared and saw Nathan, her expression hardened. "You." The single word dripped with disdain.

Nathan's jaw clenched. His gaze flickered between them. "Evelyn, are you two... cohabiting?" The question tasted bitter on his tongue.

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Since when do I report my living arrangements to you?"

Lucas chuckled darkly. "Mr. Blackwood, you can speculate all you want. But whatever our relationship is, it's none of your business. A decent ex should stay buried in the past."

Nathan's hands curled into fists. Something ugly twisted in his chest. "I was merely making conversation," he said coldly. "But Lucas, you might want to open your eyes. This woman isn't the docile little wife you remember."

The words spilled out before he could stop them. Lately, Evelyn kept revealing shocking new facets he'd never noticed before. And this—this bold, unapologetic version of her—was perhaps the most startling of all.

Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "Nathan Blackwood, you lost any right to define me years ago." Her smile vanished. "If you want obedience, get a dog. Oh wait—you already did. Vanessa Holloway is the perfect bitch for a mangy mutt like you. A match made in hell."

Even through his anger, Nathan flinched. He hadn't meant to insult her—why did everything between them turn toxic so quickly?

Lucas immediately pulled Evelyn close, his protective arm around her waist. "Unlike you, I'd never let anyone disrespect my woman," he said icily. "Now if you'll excuse us, why don't you crawl back to your mistress and leave us in peace?"

As Lucas moved to shut the door, a small blur darted between his legs. Leo pounced on Nathan's pant leg with surprising strength. "Papa!" the AI tiger chirped. "You're so handsome!"

The absurd declaration hung in the air like a bad punchline.