Chapter 499

Truth be told, a tiny fissure had momentarily cracked open in Evelyn's carefully guarded heart. Maybe it was the intoxicating warmth of the moment or the tender atmosphere that clouded her judgment. For a heartbeat, she'd almost given in to Nathan's plea. Thank heavens Dylan's call had jolted her back to reality. Nathan remained Nathan—the man who always put Serena first. Nothing had changed.

Once again, she found herself abandoned. The only difference this time was Nathan's half-hearted invitation to tag along. Looking back, that brief spark of hope in her chest now seemed utterly ridiculous.

She picked up her fork with renewed determination, focusing on the exquisite meal before her. Such delicious food shouldn't go to waste just because of emotional turmoil.

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn stepped out of the restaurant, deciding a stroll might clear her mind. Her footsteps were measured as she wandered down the street. Surprisingly, her mood wasn't as devastated as she'd expected. After all, this was familiar territory. Hadn't it always been like this?

Even if Nathan admitted his feelings for her, his sense of duty toward Serena remained unshakable. Whenever Serena summoned him, he came running without hesitation. And that so-called suicide attempt? Evelyn knew better. Serena would never actually harm herself—it was just another manipulative ploy to tighten her grip on Nathan, feeding his guilt and sense of obligation.

Evelyn was certain Nathan would never break free from Serena's web. Strangely, this realization brought an unexpected lightness to her chest. Their twisted relationship was no longer her burden to bear.

Just as she turned to head back, a rough cloth suddenly covered her mouth and nose. Evelyn's hands flew up instinctively, clawing at the strong arm holding the fabric in place. Before she could react further, another muscular arm locked around her shoulders, immobilizing her.

A sharp, chemical odor assaulted her senses. "Chloroform!" Her mind screamed in alarm.

Eyes narrowing, Evelyn held her breath and drove her elbow backward with all her strength. Her attacker grunted in pain, his grip loosening momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, she twisted free, gasping for air.

But victory was short-lived. An iron-like arm suddenly wrapped around her throat, cutting off her airway. Evelyn's fingers scrabbled desperately at the crushing pressure as her vision began to spot.

With her last ounce of strength, she stomped hard on her assailant's foot. His pained cry was music to her ears as his grip faltered. Without hesitation, Evelyn grabbed his arm, bent forward, and flipped him over her shoulder with a satisfying thud.

Coughing violently, she didn't hesitate—her fist connected with his face in a resounding punch.