Chapter 308

Evelyn hesitated in the corridor as Alexander stepped out from his business associate's private suite. A distinguished-looking man, clearly the head of the company, followed him out to bid farewell. Alexander gave him a polite nod. "There's no need to escort me, Mr. Cole."

Benjamin Cole's sharp gaze immediately landed on Evelyn standing nearby. Adjusting his glasses with a refined gesture, he inquired, "Is this Mrs. Whitmore?"

Alexander confirmed with a brief, "Yes."

Instantly, Benjamin's demeanor shifted into warm hospitality. He stepped forward, extending his hand. "Mrs. Whitmore, it's an absolute pleasure. I'm Benjamin Cole from Horizon Enterprises. I’ve heard nothing but praise about you."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. She glanced at Alexander, who gave her an encouraging nod, prompting her to respond, "The pleasure is mine." She recognized Horizon Enterprises—Titan Capital Group had recently partnered with them on a major venture. No doubt, Benjamin’s courtesy stemmed from Alexander’s influence.

Benjamin smiled warmly. "You performed a breathtaking cello piece at Titan Capital’s gala. My wife hasn’t stopped talking about it—she’s been desperate to meet you. In fact, her birthday is coming up soon. Would you do us the honor of attending as our special guest?"

Evelyn’s breath caught. She hadn’t expected anyone to remember—

The applause still echoed in Evelyn Carter's ears as she stepped away from her cello performance. The wealthy elite often mingled at such events, so when Benjamin Cole approached with an invitation, she didn't hesitate.

"Your playing was exquisite," Benjamin said warmly. "My wife and I would love to host you at our estate next week for a private gathering."

Evelyn glanced at Alexander Whitmore beside her before responding. "That sounds lovely. I'd be honored."

"Perfect! Expect an invitation soon," Benjamin replied before excusing himself to rejoin his guests.

The moment he was gone, Alexander's fingers brushed lightly against her shoulder. "You usually avoid these kinds of affairs."

She tilted her head up at him. "Since you're collaborating with Mr. Cole, refusing would be impolite."

His jaw tightened slightly. "You don’t have to force yourself for my sake."

A small smile curved her lips. "Consider it networking. A little social practice never hurts."

Alexander's expression darkened as he changed the subject. "Earlier, you mentioned Vanessa Hart orchestrated your kidnapping?"

That night had been chaos—betrayal, pursuit, and the remnants of a criminal group he'd failed to dismantle during his police academy days. They had taken Evelyn to that abandoned building, but he hadn’t accounted for the second set of kidnappers.

He never expected Vanessa to be bold enough to target someone under his protection.

Alexander's deep voice broke the silence. "Do you need my assistance?"

Evelyn shook her head firmly. "I'll deal with this alone. This is between Vanessa and me. You shouldn't involve yourself." It would be overkill—like bringing a sword to a fistfight.

In Evelyn's eyes, a man of Alexander's stature was far too formidable for someone as petty as Vanessa. Besides, this was a woman's battle. His interference would only tarnish his dignity.

Recognizing her determination, Alexander didn't press further. They were husband and wife, and he respected her choices.

Moreover, when it came to settling debts, true satisfaction came from delivering the blow yourself. If he stepped in, he'd rob her of that sweet, personal victory.

They exited the Cresthaven Hotel side by side, too absorbed in their conversation to notice the shadow lurking nearby.

Ethan had been watching them for a while.

Ever since Oliver brought them to Cresthaven, Ethan had followed at a careful distance. He witnessed Alexander gifting Oliver a sleek sports car. He observed them dining privately with the Hayes family.

While they feasted behind closed doors, Ethan remained outside, his gaze fixed on the entrance. He couldn't hear their words, but he saw the way Alexander stood beside Evelyn—protective, possessive.

The sight burned in his chest.

Ethan clenched his fists. He had underestimated Alexander Whitmore. The man wasn’t just wealthy—he was powerful, connected. And worst of all, he had Evelyn.

But Ethan wasn’t done yet.

He stepped forward, his footsteps silent against the polished marble floor. The game wasn’t over. Not even close.

Evelyn Carter would regret choosing Alexander over him.

And Ethan would make sure of it.

It should have been him standing there.

Ethan Caldwell's grip tightened around his glass until his knuckles turned white. The crystal threatened to shatter beneath the pressure of his frustration.

Across the room, Evelyn Carter laughed at something Alexander Whitmore whispered in her ear. The sound was like music—soft, enchanting, and utterly devastating.

Ethan's chest ached.

He was nothing more than a spectator now, forced to watch from the shadows as the woman he loved belonged to someone else. The irony was cruel. Once, she had looked at him with those same sparkling eyes, her lips curved in that same breathtaking smile.

Now, she didn’t even glance his way.

The bitterness rose like bile in his throat. He was invisible to her, a ghost of the past she had long since buried.

Every fiber of his being screamed for her attention.

Just one look.

One fleeting moment where her gaze would find his again, where she would remember what they once had.

He would give anything for it.

Anything.

The glass trembled in his hand.

He was losing himself in this torment, drowning in the weight of his own regrets.

And yet, he couldn’t turn away.

Because even this pain—this unbearable, suffocating agony—was better than the emptiness of a world where she no longer existed in his life.

So he stayed.

Watching.

Waiting.

Hoping.

Like a man condemned to purgatory, forever trapped between what was and what could have been.