Chapter 445

Rainwater trickled down her collar, yet the inside of her coat remained dry and warm.

Evelyn clutched the fabric tighter, covering every exposed inch of skin.

The living room was in shambles.

The window lay shattered, its wooden frame splintered down the middle. The curtains whipped violently in the storm.

Rain mixed with shards of glass coated the floor, streaks of blood snaking between them. The scene resembled a crime scene.

"Alexander, are you okay?"

He scoffed. "If I had killed him, would you call the police?"

"..."

"Answer me."

"Yes."

"Hah. Dr. Carter, ever the law-abiding citizen."

"But I'd explain to them you were saving me—"

Alexander slid down the wall with a bitter laugh. "My ex-wife testifying for me? You think they'd believe that?"

"At least we know each other."

"Because of our failed marriage?" He kicked the motionless figure on the floor with his shoe.

Silence stretched between them.

"How did you hear me screaming so late?"

"I didn't." His tone was sharp. "You think I spend my days watching you?"

"..."

"Or that I bugged your apartment?"

"The storm was loud. I thought—"

"Coincidence. Couldn't sleep tonight." He cut her off.

Evelyn softened her voice. "Work stress?"

Alexander exploded. "Can't you just ask why I couldn't sleep?!"

"I'm not your therapist."

"Fine. Perfect." He stood, jaw clenched.

Evelyn rose too. "Alexander—"

"Go to your room." His voice brooked no argument. "Change out of those clothes and give them to me. Then sleep."

She glanced at the intruder. "Is he alive?"

"None of your concern."

"What are you going to do?"

"When the police come tomorrow, tell them you locked yourself in your room and saw nothing."

Evelyn inhaled sharply. "What are you planning?"

"Just do as I say." He frowned.

Lightning illuminated the burglar's pallid face.

She crouched. "Let me check his—"

Alexander yanked her up. "I said leave it!"

"Are you insane?" Her voice shook. "What about Simon—"

"You know where he is?" His eyes glinted dangerously. "Even the police don't."

A chill ran down her spine. "Don't do this..."

Suddenly, the world tilted.

He hauled her over his shoulder and dumped her onto the bed.

"Remember what I said." He loomed over her. "Stay out of the rest."

In the shadows, his gaze darkened at the bruises on her arm.

Evelyn stared up at him, stunned.

Alexander smirked. "Scared? You should've known my true colors last time."

"You're laughing now?"

"You're pale as a ghost." He brushed his fingers against her icy cheek. "Is it him you fear... or me?"

"What would've happened if I hadn't stopped you?"

He flexed his wrist. "Made him disappear."

"Like Simon?"

"Before we married..." Her voice trembled.

Alexander's lips curled. "Take a guess?"

Rain hammered against the broken window.

"Those three years," he murmured, "I thought gentleness was enough."

"A harmonious home. A devoted wife. A life bathed in sunlight."

"Until someone told me—" He leaned closer. "Gentleness won't keep a woman."

Evelyn pulled the blanket around herself. "This isn't the time."

Her fingers trembled in the dark.