Chapter 478

Alexander's lips crashed against Evelyn's neck with scorching intensity.

She flinched violently, attempting to kick him, but he effortlessly pinned her down. The blanket was tossed aside as his body enveloped hers like an inescapable net.

"Hamilton Group just recovered a final payment—fifty to sixty million," his breath burned against her ear. "No new projects for now."

Evelyn frowned. "What are you implying?"

"Investment banks in H City won't inject funds into the Dempsey family anytime soon." He loomed above her, eyes dark. "Pressing banks for debt repayment is a fatal mistake."

The dim bedside lamp cast their tangled shadows onto the wall.

Suddenly, understanding dawned. "This was your bargaining chip?"

Alexander chuckled low. "Consider it... sincerity."

"Half the amount, then," she countered sharply. "I'll take the money. Not the man."

He arched a brow. "Sincerity isn't negotiable. The money—and me. Or the money—and your heart. Choose."

"...Transfer the funds to Vivian." She gritted her teeth. "Forget my heart. I'll have Olivia bring a scalpel if you insist."

"Evelyn." His fingers gripped her chin. "Stop pretending."

She turned away, lashes trembling. "I don't love you. Truly."

"Mm." Without warning, he closed the distance. "But I love you."

The words struck like thunder, leaving her mind blank.

The sound of his robe hitting the floor echoed in the silence. As the light vanished, the world spun violently.

In the darkness, every sensation amplified.

His skin burned like branding iron against hers. When their lips met, her resisting hands were pressed against his chest—where his heart pounded wildly beneath her palm.

"Alexander!" She gasped. "Are you forcing me?"

He paused fractionally. "You claim not to love me."

"Exactly, I don't—"

"Don't be hasty." His teeth grazed her earlobe, voice rough.

The night became exquisite torment.

With unbearable patience, he unraveled her until she shattered. Only when tears spilled did he finally claim her.

"See?" His whisper ghosted over her damp skin. "You're not unaffected."

"Lies!" She twisted away, only to be dragged back into a searing kiss.

"No love?" His breath hitched as sweat dripped from his jaw. "Then I'll keep going until you do."

Long-denied intimacy made him reckless—yet he remembered every detail that made her tremble.

......

The alarm blared, pulling Evelyn from hazy disbelief.

"What time is it?" Alexander's sleep-roughened voice came from above.

Reality crashed in—the pillow beneath her hips, his body still—

"Lost your mind?" She winced at the soreness.

He laughed darkly. "Just antacids."

"You—!" Her fist struck his shoulder, but he caught her wrist, wrapping it around his neck.

"They say passing a cold to someone else cures it." His lips brushed her inner elbow. "Let me take your fever."

"Superstitious fool." She scoffed.

His palm touched her forehead. "Temperature's down. Can you breathe now?"

Evelyn blinked. Strangely, her nose was clear.

"I need water."

He stilled. "Now?"