Chapter 562

A golden halo illuminated Alexander from behind. He met Maxwell's gaze steadily. "You've done nothing wrong. I simply need Lucas to spend some time at the police station to cool off." Alexander couldn't risk leaving his volatile friend unsupervised.

The bar environment would only fuel Lucas's agitation.

The police station was the perfect solution - it provided both restraint and space for reflection.

Maxwell sighed internally. "Why must I get dragged into your lovers' quarrel?"

Within minutes, uniformed officers arrived and escorted a protesting Lucas away.

Having interned at the precinct, Alexander knew this would likely result in a five-day holding period.

Five days should be sufficient for Lucas to regain his composure.

"You scheming bastard!" Lucas shouted over his shoulder as they led him out.

He'd thought Alexander was joking about calling the authorities.

"This is ridiculous! I didn't even hire anyone - just had two damn drinks!"

Dawn was breaking when Alexander finally exited Eclipse Lounge.

Evelyn still slept peacefully when he returned to their penthouse.

After a quick shower, he slipped into bed and pulled her close.

Despite his careful movements, Evelyn stirred immediately. The scent of alcohol clung to him.

"You've been drinking?"

"Just a couple with Lucas."

"Is he alright?"

Alexander nodded. "He's somewhere safe now."

Noticing his exhaustion, Evelyn didn't press further.

Once his breathing deepened into sleep, she quietly left the bedroom.

The past forty-eight hours felt like an eternity.

Her restless night had been plagued by nightmares - a monstrous serpent pursuing her relentlessly through endless corridors.

Waking left her more exhausted than if she'd actually run all night.

After breakfast, Evelyn visited Willow Mall's baby boutique to shop for Claire's upcoming delivery.

Stepping outside, she froze.

A sleek black sedan idled at the curb - unmistakably Dominic's.

This time, Evelyn approached without hesitation.

She slid into the passenger seat and immediately assessed his condition.

"Any changes in sensation this week?" She'd prescribed treatment nearly seven days ago.

Dominic's expression remained unreadable. "Some temperature sensitivity."

Evelyn jotted adjustments to his herbal soak. Then she tested his knee reflex.

"Feel that?"

"A dull pressure."

She retrieved her acupuncture kit from the car's console. "Lie back for treatment."

Dominic didn't comply. Instead, he propped his chin on one hand. "Why should I?"

His challenging gaze held hers as the tension between them crackled like static.