Chapter 568

"Impossible. Did Dominic arrange this? Why would he go this far?"

Isabella couldn't believe it. But when she pieced everything together, the timing was too perfect to be coincidence.

She stomped her foot in frustration. "I told you Dominic's a monster! I can't marry him! Alexander, you have to help me call off this engagement!"

Alexander studied Vincent's expression. "Are you working for Dominic?"

Vincent shook his head vehemently. "Dominic? I don't even know the man!"

Alexander wasn't interested in explanations. Just then, a squad of police officers entered the establishment.

"Save your excuses for them. This place is operating illegally and will be shut down immediately."

Vincent paled. He hadn't anticipated Alexander would alert the authorities en route.

The bar represented his life's work. Faced with law enforcement, his bravado crumbled.

"Mr. Whitmore, have mercy! Arrest me if you must, but don't close my bar!"

Since no real harm had come to Isabella, Vincent would likely serve minimal jail time at worst.

But the bar was different. Once shuttered, reopening would be nearly impossible.

Alexander didn't even glance at him as he escorted Isabella outside.

Standing beneath the neon lights, Alexander lit a cigarette. "I'll give you Simon's number."

Isabella froze. "Alexander, are you really abandoning me?"

In the emergency, Alexander had been nearby. The ten-minute response time beat the police arrival.

Rushed and distracted, he hadn't even informed Evelyn. The guilt already gnawed at him.

Alexander exhaled smoke. "I won't risk Evelyn misunderstanding. I can't leave her waiting."

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes. "What about my engagement? You promised to help me end it!"

"I'll handle what Simon can't. I'll speak with the Powells about terminating the arrangement soon. Come on, I'll take you home."

Isabella bit her lip. "I can't face the theater. That disgusting man touched me. I feel filthy. Everyone will gossip if they see me like this. I need to wash up first."

Evelyn watched Alexander escort Isabella into the hotel lobby.

They collected a room key from reception. Isabella gazed up at Alexander with pleading eyes.

"Alexander, could you... take me upstairs?"

Alexander's suit jacket still draped her shoulders. Her red-rimmed eyes gave her a pitiful, rabbit-like appearance.

Evelyn stood paralyzed, her feet leaden. Through the glass doors, she witnessed the scene unfold, unable to move.

An invisible hand seemed to squeeze her heart, the discomfort stealing her breath.

Dominic wheeled closer, his smirk taunting. "Surprised? Alexander's betrayed you."

Evelyn's fists clenched unconsciously. Meeting Dominic's mockery, she turned with icy composure.

"Isabella's your fiancée. You seem remarkably pleased by this development."

Dominic shrugged. "I maintain excellent perspective."

Evelyn's gaze hardened. "Is it perspective, or careful planning? Dominic, you're despicable."

The coincidences stacked too neatly. Evelyn had just parted from Alexander when Dominic appeared outside the restaurant.

Once might be chance. Multiple encounters reeked of calculation.

Connecting the dots, Evelyn knew Dominic had orchestrated Alexander's abrupt departure.

She met Dominic's gaze squarely. "Your manipulations are transparent. Did you truly think I'd fall for this?"

Dominic's eyes narrowed, unruffled by exposure.

He seized Evelyn's wrist, pulling her close until his breath ghosted across her lips.

"You always knew I played dirty. What? Having second thoughts about fixing these legs now?"

His grip tightened. "In prison, you told me to live well. Changed your mind? Would you prefer this scourge removed permanently?"