Chapter 217

The moment Vanessa spoke those words, humiliation burned through her like wildfire. This was beyond embarrassment—it was soul-crushing.

She had waited an entire month after their wedding for Ethan to finally touch her, only for him to whisper another woman’s name in the heat of passion.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, a visible vein pulsing at his temple as if ready to snap.

Without a single word, he shrugged off his suit jacket, snatched his sleepwear, and stalked into the bathroom.

The shower lasted barely five minutes.

Vanessa had hoped—no, expected—some kind of explanation when he emerged. Instead, he just yanked the covers back, cranked up the AC, and dropped onto the mattress, eyes shut.

Her breath hitched. Was he seriously dismissing her like this?

"Ethan, wake up. We’re not done talking!"

Tears welled, hot and furious. Normally, he’d pull her close, murmur apologies. Tonight? He didn’t even open his eyes, just draped an arm over his forehead like she was background noise.

"Later. I need sleep."

His voice was rough, final.

Vanessa’s nails dug into her palms. Later? Later?

Oh, no. This wasn’t ending here.

Vanessa's nails dug into her palms as hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

When it became clear he wouldn't speak, she whirled around and marched to the elevators, slamming the button for the lobby.

The marble-floored reception area was nearly empty when she approached the desk, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

"Hi," she forced out between clenched teeth. "I'm in suite 808 and locked myself out. I need someone to let me in."

The clerk's gaze turned assessing. "Name on the reservation?"

"Evelyn Carter."

Keys clattered as the receptionist typed. After a tense moment, she nodded.

"We'll need photo identification before granting access."

Vanessa's pulse jumped. "It's inside. I'll show you once—"

The clerk was already reaching for the phone.

Vanessa expected a manager. Instead, within minutes, Simon Graves appeared like a specter from the staff hallway.

"That's her," the clerk indicated.

Vanessa turned—and froze.

Simon's expression darkened as recognition flashed across his face.

Vanessa plastered on a fake smile. "Oh, it's you."

Simon studied her with narrowed eyes before his lips curled into a mocking smirk.

"Ms. Vanessa Hart, care to explain why you're sneaking into Mrs. Evelyn Carter's room?"

Vanessa quickly composed herself, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Don't be ridiculous. Evelyn is my sister. I just wanted to leave her a little present."

"But didn't Mrs. Carter publicly sever ties with the Hart family?" Simon countered, his voice laced with amusement.

Heat rushed to Vanessa's cheeks.

How dare this lowly assistant embarrass her like this?

Before she could retort, Simon pulled out his phone and dialed Evelyn right in front of her.

"Mrs. Carter, Vanessa is here at the front desk attempting to access your room. She claims she has a surprise for you."

After a brief pause, Simon nodded and ended the call.

He turned back to Vanessa with a cold smile. "Mrs. Carter asked me to relay a message."

Vanessa clenched her fists. "And what would that be?"

Simon's grin widened.

"Get the hell out."

The evening air was crisp as Evelyn enjoyed a hotpot dinner with her colleagues from the executive floor.

Laughter and chatter filled the private dining room, but her mind kept drifting elsewhere.

By the time she returned to her suite, the clock was ticking dangerously close to the hour Alexander had set.

She rushed through her shower, the warm water doing little to ease the nervous flutter in her chest.

Stepping out, she glanced at the clock—9:55 PM.

Alexander’s warning echoed in her mind: "Be in my suite by ten, or I’ll come get you."

That wasn’t an option.

With Titan Capital’s executives scattered across the same floor—some even playing cards with their doors wide open—she couldn’t risk a scene.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she slipped into a fresh dress, one that hugged her curves just enough to be noticed.

Taking a steadying breath, she stepped into the hallway, timing her steps precisely.

The elevator ride up felt endless, each second stretching like taffy.

When she reached his door, she hesitated, her knuckles hovering just above the wood.

Then, before she could second-guess herself, she knocked.

The door swung open in three seconds flat.

Alexander stood there, his dark eyes gleaming with something dangerous.