Chapter 538

Alexander's voice was icy. "I'm a married man. It's inappropriate for us to be together this late. Evelyn might misunderstand."

He strode toward the exit, with Isabella trailing closely behind.

Outside Willow Mall, Evelyn hadn't gone far.

"Evelyn!"

Just as Alexander called her name, Isabella suddenly tripped.

Her foot caught on the steps, sending her tumbling straight into Alexander's arms.

Isabella immediately wrapped herself around him, clinging like ivy to an oak.

When Evelyn turned at the sound of Alexander's voice, she saw them locked in an embrace.

Isabella's arms were wrapped tightly around Alexander's waist, her face pressed against his chest. Alexander's hands—the same hands that had once caressed Evelyn so tenderly—now gripped Isabella's shoulders.

Evelyn's lips trembled as her heart turned to stone. A cold numbness spread from her toes, freezing her thoughts completely.

She didn't scream. Didn't make a scene. Just closed her eyes as silent tears traced her cheeks.

Without a backward glance, Evelyn vanished into the night.

Suddenly, her entire existence felt meaningless.

Moments ago, she had considered going back for the lilies Alexander had given her.

Now, the thought was laughable.

Alexander finally managed to push Isabella away.

She had stumbled into his arms so suddenly that he hadn't been able to react in time. His patience was wearing thin.

His gaze turned glacial. "You did that on purpose."

Isabella's eyes widened in feigned shock. "Why would I? It was an accident—there's a step right here!"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Do you think I'm stupid?"

Isabella bit her lip. "Alexander, Evelyn doesn't deserve you! She—"

"Who are you to decide who deserves me?" His voice was a whip crack. "Since when do I need your opinion?"

Faced with his fury, Isabella lowered her head, tears spilling over.

She sobbed violently, her shoulders shaking with each cry.

Alexander exhaled sharply, irritation warring with reluctant pity at her red-rimmed eyes.

"Evelyn is my wife. If you truly consider yourself my friend, you will respect her."

"Throwing water at her was unacceptable, Isabella. You're not a child. Don't drag me into your petty games."

Tears dripped from Isabella's chin onto the marble floor. She looked up, her gaze brimming with wounded betrayal.

"So I should just take her insults? Even when she slanders my brother? Alexander, have you forgotten how Andrew died for you?"

At the mention of Andrew, Alexander fell silent.

After a long pause, he said quietly, "I trust Evelyn wouldn't speak ill of someone unrelated to her."

"You think I'm lying?" Isabella let out a hollow laugh, tilting her face toward the sky.

"Andrew, do you see this? This is the man you died saving. Alexander is nothing but a traitor, letting his wife spit on your memory. Was your sacrifice worth it?"

Alexander's frown deepened.

Isabella's dramatics planted a seed of doubt.

Could Evelyn really have said those things?

"Simon will drive you home," Alexander said flatly.

Isabella stood her ground. "I want Evelyn to apologize. To me. To my family. To Andrew's memory."

Alexander met her gaze, his own unreadable.

"If Evelyn truly did this, I will personally apologize to your entire family on her behalf."

"Alexander, you—" Isabella's voice cracked with disbelief.

His patience snapped. "Go home. I need to speak with Evelyn."