Chapter 112

"Sweetheart, we don't work for free. This is our standard rate," the male escort said with a practiced smile.

Ethan Caldwell scoffed, crossing his arms. "So, Evelyn, you were putting on airs, hiring escorts to keep you company, but forgot to check your bank balance first?"

Amusement danced in Ethan's eyes. He had noticed immediately that it was Claire who had called these men over—Evelyn had been keeping her distance the entire time.

The thought that she might still be pining for him sent a rush of satisfaction through his veins.

"Since you're clearly broke, why don't you beg me nicely? I might take pity on you." Ethan lounged back in his seat, swirling his whiskey with deliberate arrogance.

He was offering her an out. A humiliating one, but an out nonetheless.

Evelyn didn’t flinch. Instead, she reached into her clutch with deliberate calm and produced a sleek black card. "Save your charity. I can handle my own bills."

The truth was, Evelyn had only just started her new position at Titan Capital Group. Her first paycheck hadn’t even cleared yet.

This card was the one Alexander Whitmore had given her on their wedding day. Unlimited spending, he’d said. She’d never tested it before tonight, but she was certain at least sixty grand was available.

The escorts exchanged glances. One of them discreetly pulled out a card reader.

Evelyn’s fingers didn’t tremble as she tapped the card against the machine.

A beat of silence.

Then—

Declined.

Ethan’s laughter was sharp enough to cut glass. "Oh, this is priceless."

Claire gasped. "Evie, what’s going on?"

Evelyn’s throat went dry. No. That’s impossible.

She tried again.

Declined.

The second escort’s smile turned icy. "Miss Carter, we don’t appreciate being played."

Ethan leaned forward, his voice dripping with mock concern. "Looks like your rich husband’s credit line isn’t as unlimited as you thought."

Evelyn’s phone buzzed. A notification lit up the screen:

Account Frozen – Pending Investigation.

Her stomach dropped.

Alexander had cut her off.

And he hadn’t even warned her.

The sun had barely set when Evelyn found herself in this predicament.

She never planned to use this card—not like this. But sixty thousand dollars was no small sum, and desperation had clawed its way into her chest.

Just a temporary solution, she told herself. I’ll pay it back the moment I can.

Across the table, the gigolo’s smirk widened as he swiped the black card through the reader. His eyes gleamed with greed.

Ethan Caldwell watched, his fingers tightening around his glass.

That wasn’t just any card.

It was a Horizon Enterprises VIP—the kind reserved for clients with nine-figure net worths. A secondary card, yes, but still…

Where the hell had Evelyn gotten this?

And more importantly—who held the primary?

Alexander Whitmore’s phone buzzed the second he stepped out of the restroom.

The notification made his blood freeze.

[Secondary Card ••••1224: $60,000 charged at Eclipse Lounge. Memo: Entertainment Services.]

His jaw locked.

That was his card.

The one he’d given Evelyn on their wedding day.

She’d never touched it. Not once.

Until tonight.

And of all places—a lounge known for its escorts.

His knuckles whitened around his phone.

This wasn’t just a transaction.

It was a declaration.

And he would get answers.

The crisp sound of bills being counted filled the private booth.

Evelyn had just spent a small fortune.

But not on anything respectable - she'd paid for the company of male escorts.

Alexander's piercing gaze darkened as he strode toward the Eclipse Lounge's main hall.

The moment he stepped inside, his attention zeroed in on Evelyn and Ethan Caldwell occupying the VIP section.

The paid companions were leaving, pockets heavier, after Evelyn settled their fees.

Suddenly, Evelyn's neck prickled with unease.

An icy sensation crawled down her spine like frozen fingertips.

She whipped around, but only saw the pulsating crowd on the dance floor.

"Must be imagining things," she muttered, shaking off the feeling.

Her wandering eyes then caught Ethan and his entourage nearby.

Each wealthy playboy had a scantily-clad woman draped over them.

Some were locked in passionate embraces while others explored beneath clothing.

"Is this your bachelor party?" Evelyn called out, voice laced with sarcasm. "Does Vanessa know about this little celebration?"

The air grew thick with tension as Ethan's friends froze mid-action.

Evelyn recognized them all - spoiled heirs from Cresthaven's elite families.

Her fingers tightened around her champagne flute.

The bitter liquid burned her throat as she drained the glass.

Across the room, Alexander's jaw clenched.

His knuckles turned white against the whiskey tumbler.

The game was about to change.

And Evelyn Carter had no idea what was coming.

The dim lighting of Eclipse Lounge cast long shadows across the velvet couches. Two scantily clad women draped themselves over Ethan's thighs, their laughter thick with artificial sweetness. The air smelled of expensive whiskey and cheap perfume—a nauseating combination that made my skin crawl.

Spotting Ethan sitting alone, Evelyn let out a derisive chuckle. "Now that you're here, drop the act. Where's your little shadow?"

Ethan's expression remained impassive. "I don't have one."

This whole mess was Trevor's idea—a last-minute bachelor party before Ethan's upcoming wedding.

Not that Ethan cared for these kinds of gatherings. His so-called friends had arranged the entertainment, but he hadn't so much as glanced at the women. To him, the whole scene was distasteful.

As Evelyn and Ethan exchanged words, a tall, imposing figure strode past them, his presence commanding the room without effort.

The air shifted.

Something was about to change.