Chapter 446

Alexander's gaze was locked onto her like a vice.

"He doesn't deserve death." Evelyn tightened her robe, her voice eerily calm. "Breaking and entering plus attempted rape will put him behind bars for years."

She walked barefoot toward the living room.

His hand clamped around her wrist.

"What are you doing?" Alexander's voice was hoarse.

"Calling the police." She tried to pull free. "My phone's in the living room."

His grip tightened. "You think I care about that?"

"I know you don't." Evelyn met his eyes. "But I do. You acted in self-defense to protect me. That's justifiable under the law."

A cold laugh escaped him.

"Alexander," she inhaled sharply, "rape is a felony. The police will investigate thoroughly."

"Must you always oppose me?" Bloodshot veins appeared in his eyes.

Silence.

"Three years of marriage," Alexander suddenly chuckled, "and you've never truly trusted me."

"This isn't the time! That man might still be alive—"

"You're always so rational." He cut her off. "Building walls no one can breach. Not me. Not Gregory."

Her fists clenched.

"You're right—you don't need love." He stepped closer. "Not even when it comes to your own—"

"Enough!" Evelyn jerked her head up. "I'll handle this myself. The police aren't fools—they'll notice the commotion. I won't drag anyone into this."

His expression darkened. "Burglary leaves fingerprints. But attempted rape is harder to prove unless..."

She let her robe fall open.

The torn nightgown revealed suspicious red marks along her collarbone.

Alexander's pupils contracted violently.

"His DNA is on me." Her voice trembled. "Forensics can match it..."

The air turned glacial.

Alexander seized her shoulders. "Where did he touch you?"

Evelyn averted her gaze. "Just...my neck."

"Just touched?" His voice could freeze hell.

"During the struggle..."

Alexander whirled around.

"Where are you going?"

"To get pliers." He didn't look back.

Evelyn sprinted to block him. "Have you lost your mind?!"

Moonlight illuminated his crimson eyes. "He deserves to die."

She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Don't..."

"The first time you've hugged me," he mocked, "and it's for that scum."

Evelyn recoiled as if burned.

Silence stretched.

"Calmer now?" she whispered.

Alexander said nothing.

She knelt to examine the burglar's injuries. "He's alive."

"Pity." A humorless smirk.

Evelyn performed a professional assessment. "Multiple fractures, severe facial trauma, missing teeth..."

She retrieved her phone and dialed 911.

Alexander stood in shadows, his knuckles bleeding.

"You broke the glass with your bare hands?" she asked after hanging up.

"Got a better idea?" He flexed his fingers. "Should I have used my teeth?"